If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (334) 287-1144

To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. You may want to try one of the following alternatives:

Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Frozen Pipes in a Commercial Building

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Expertly Remove Water From Your Business

Freezing temperatures in our area this Winter could put commercial buildings at risk for frozen pipes. When a broken pipe occurs, the misery from the bitter cold can be amplified by the intrusion of large quantities of unwanted water in your business or public place. Finding a company that reliably removes water and dries the structure regardless of the cause is the key to starting the remediation process.

Before any plan can be developed to get your commercial property back to normal, commercial water removal must be completed in the business affected. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler crews are uniquely qualified to take all professional measures to move the water out quickly and thoroughly. Specialized training to measure and monitor moisture and scan for hidden pockets of water ensures that the removal is comprehensive. Only when all of the water is evacuated can the damage caused by the intrusion be observed and appropriately evaluated.

Water removal needs to be completed as soon as possible after the plumbing failure due to frozen pipes. If the power in the waterlogged area has been shut off as a safety precaution, the SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler vehicles responding have onboard power options for their truck-mounted equipment. Submersible pumps and high-efficiency water extractors are precisely matched to the challenges posed by standing water.

When operated by technicians trained according to water remediation industry standards developed by the IIRC, this equipment does its job quickly and thoroughly. The SERVPRO team members who respond to a frozen pipe disaster have mastered the use of this state of the art equipment and deliver the highest quality results.

The SERVPRO production managers and technicians who work with the business owner after a water loss realize how devastating and overwhelming the aftermath of frozen pipes can be. A business can prosper in the future only if the damage done by the water is remediated quickly after removal. An essential part of their job is to listen carefully as customers share their concerns. Answering questions and explaining the process is crucial in the SERVPRO crew’s effort to offer the very best in customer service.

If frozen pipes due to recent plunging temperatures fill your commercial space with water, SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler has the skills and tools to remove the water. Call (334) 287-1144 anytime day or night for expert assistance.

3 Levels of Commercial Property Damage

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144!

Is Your Business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

When our logo is on your door, your commitment to clean is clear

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler is here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program backed by our more than 50 years of experience in cleanup and restoration. With an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes, we're helping businesses across the country open safely. So make the commitment to keep your employees and customers safer. Make sure your space is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

CONSULT

A tailored cleaning program to meet your needs.

  • We will assign you a Cleaning Protocol Specialist who understands your business.
  • Programs are based on a range of factors: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.

CLEAN

Proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning program.

  • Trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.
  • EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.

CERTIFY

A commitment to clean for your employees and consumers. 

  • Leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure your customers and employees that you are taking the steps needed to keep your space at the highest level of clean.
  • Communication touchpoints include a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblem, signage, marks for your digital footprint and more. 

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144 for more information about making sure your business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Mold Problems in a Rental Space

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Problems in a Rental Space

Keeping an apartment over a rented commercial space can be convenient for you as a business owner. Bundling rental costs for both areas can help you save money on daily commutes and other expenses. However, when you discover fungi growth in your apartment and mold cleanup is necessary, knowing how to proceed and who to contact can be difficult. If you find yourself with a mold issue in your rental space, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem.

  1. Alert Your Landlord

Once you discover mold in your apartment, it is wise to leave it alone until you can alert your landlord and have him or her come to look at the infestation. Even if it is a minor issue, such as bathroom fungi, mold spores can still detach from small patches and move through the building’s air ducts, where it could spread to your commercial space. Letting your landlord know about the problem right away can prevent this.

  1. Discover the Source

Mold contamination can grow from a variety of sources, but moisture and humidity are typically the main culprits. Check cabinets under the bathroom and kitchen sink, the shower and any water lines in the apartment. If you suspect the problem may have originated in your commercial space, you may want to check those water sources as well.

  1. Contact Your Insurance Company

Depending on the source of the mold, you may be responsible for its removal. Calling your insurance agent as soon as possible can help you understand whether your renter’s insurance covers mold cleanup and the cost of a fungi removal and cleaning service. Your insurance agent can also help you make a claim to cover costs as soon as possible.

Discovering mold in a rented apartment that is attached to your commercial space can be stressful. However, when you know which steps to take and who is responsible for the mold cleanup, you can feel more confident about working toward a quick resolution.

Drying Documents After a Water Damage

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Your immediate concern after a disaster strikes your company may be the safety of your employees, commercial building, and business inventory. Once the task of addressing urgent matters is complete, the need to assess the situation and stabilize the company will probably be your next mission. One way to mitigate possible damage after a water disaster is the preservation of key business items such as wet documents.

Saving Business Documents

Flooding response time can often determine whether documents can successfully be saved. Flood water generally has a high pH level, so the longer the papers are in the dirty water, the more ink can bleed and pages can deteriorate. Some of the business documents in question may include

  • Employee medical documents
  • Personal identification papers
  • Financial papers
  • Legal documentation
  • Emergency contact information

Removing water as soon as possible is essential because mold can begin to develop in as little as 48 hours. A professional recovery service can remove standing water and sterilize the documents with gamma irradiation that can be critical to prevent mold and other contaminants from ruining the papers.

Freeze-Drying Papers

By using a state-of-the-art freeze-drying method to protect valuable data, the loss of documents due to water damage can be dramatically reduced. The new document drying technique safely processes the paperwork until it can be addressed by a specialized team. The materials are vacuumed and then dried using a process known as sublimation. During sublimation, the water is removed in a gaseous state. The vacuum process can safely be used on wet documents such as

  • Photographs
  • Files
  • Blueprints
  • Books
  • Parchment
  • Microfiche

The restoration procedure may also include cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing all materials.

Restoring Vacuumed Materials

Restoring wet documents to their pre-damaged condition is nearly impossible, but a professional recovery team can stabilize the acidity of the water damage and quickly freeze the documents. Once the recovery is completed, the materials can often return to your business with almost no visible damage.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144 for more information about document drying. 

When Fire Strikes Your Commercial Building

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire loss in your home or business, here are some tips to better understand the fire restoration process. 

  1. Emergency Contact 

When you call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, you will be asked questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate team, equipment, and resources.

  1. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler technicians carefully inspect the entire home or business, not just the immediate area. Sometimes, soot and water affect areas that are not always seen. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

  1. Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service 

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs, as seen in the photo of the commercial property. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

  1. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present) 

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. Most of the water occurs if pipes melt and leak, or from the firefighters' efforts to extinguish the fire. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the water and complete the drying process

  1. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

  1. Cleaning and Sanitizing 

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire.  We’re also trained to remove several types of odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

  1. Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler has a reconstruction division that focuses solely on getting your home or business back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish to make your life easier and get you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in fire damage and water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler today at (334) 287-1144!

Mitigate Storm Damage to Your Property

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent storm damage is to prepare before the winds and rain hit. Prevent damages, such as missing shingles, a roof leak, broken furnishings, and other havoc by taking specific steps as soon as you know there's a storm on the way:

  • Trim trees and shrubs around your business to prevent branches from breaking winds or becoming projectiles.
  • Pack up furnishings outside your building and stash any decorations or marketing signs that aren't completely attached.
  • Board up the windows. Again, the best time to gather these supplies is before there's any news of a storm. Purchase the hardware you'll need and store it safely until you need to use it.
  • Reinforce any garage doors. These doors tend to be relatively flimsy. The damage to the doors or to your exposed inventory or vehicles could become very expensive.

Of course, proper maintenance is an essential step in protecting your company property.

Gather Evidence of the Damages

Before you take any cleanup steps and before you contact professionals to take care of the work, record the damage. First, take photos of all damage to document your losses for the insurance company. Make a written inventory of all commercial and personal property that was damaged. Don't forget to hold onto receipts when work is completed.

Practice Preventative First Aid

After the storm has passed, there are several steps you can take to keep your commercial property safe, avoid that annoying roof leak, and keep your repair costs down. One of the first is to address any damage to the roof. Use tarps and plywood to board up holes in the roof, cover holes in windows and skylights, and inspect the rest of the property.

Turn Major Repairs Over to Professionals

You may find that siding has been blown off the building or a tree branch has broken the building or some property directly. In many cases, a storm damage repair and cleanup professional is the best person to repair your damaged roof. There are many safety concerns to keep in mind before sending an employee to the top of your building. There's no roof leak more important than a person's safety.

SERVPRO Can Handle Many Types of Storm Damage

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

We can experience several kinds of storm damage. Some are wind damage, flood damage, and hail damage. Consider the following tips should your home or business be hit with storm damage.

Wind Damage Restoration

The high winds of the desert often cause severe wind damage, placing your roof at risk. Your roof is particularly susceptible. The strong winds may cause flying debris to hit or lift the roof. Roof damage can be challenging for homeowners and business owners, mainly because a roof leak may not be evident until the next storm hits.

Roof Leaks

Many roof leaks and roof damages are difficult to detect. Storms can loosen the roof without creating a problem that is not easily visible. Even small roof leaks can produce damp, moldy conditions inside your home or business. It is critical to secure roof inspection and repair immediately after high winds. Doing so can prevent long term interior damage. The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler can assist homeowners or business owners in receiving a comprehensive roof assessment and roof repair services when wind damage strikes.

Flood Damage

Heavy rains and flooding may cause water damage from many miles away. If the land around your home or business cannot absorb the additional water, flooding will happen. Even houses and shops at higher elevations can sustain flood damage.

Hail Damage & Recovery

Hail can damage not just your roof, exterior walls, and any detached buildings. It is a great idea to hire a storm damage restoration professional to inspect your roof, exterior walls, and outbuildings for damage. Dents, nicks, and cracks on the roof are areas where hail has damaged the exterior of your home. These weakened areas can lead to other more extensive problems like water damage

After a storm, if you are not sure if there is damage to your home or business, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler. We will access your property for any damage that could put your property at risk.

Give us a call at (334) 287-1144!

Preparing for Emergencies

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

In recent years, many forms of disasters have affected the United States. Flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and blizzards are natural disasters that can threaten your home, business, and community.

If you've seen the news, you know that emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities just like yours, to people like you. We've seen tornado outbreaks, river floods, flash floods, historic earthquakes, tsunamis, and even water main breaks and power outages in U.S. cities affecting millions of people for days at a time.

Here are three steps to help you prepare and plan in the event that you must go for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services:

  1. Get a Kit: Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care - water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio - for a checklist of supplies, visit www.ready.gov
  2. Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see www.ready.gov- Work together with neighbors, colleagues, and others to help build community resilience.
  3. Be Informed: Free information is available to assist you from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources. You can find preparedness information by:

- Accessing www.ready.gov to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency.

- Contacting your local emergency management agency to get essential information on specific hazards to your area, local plans for shelter and evacuation, ways to get information before and during an emergency, and how to sign up for emergency alerts if they are available.

- Contact your local firehouse and ask for a tour and information about preparedness.

Police, fire, and rescue may not always be able to reach you quickly, such as if trees and power lines are down, or if they're overwhelmed by demand from an emergency. The most important step you can take in helping your local responders is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover.

As FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate reminded us, "Individuals and families are the most important members of the nation's emergency management team. Being prepared can save precious time if there is a need to respond to an emergency." For more information on NPM, and for help getting prepared, visit www.ready.gov, or call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585 for free information.

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler wants you to be aware of the steps to take to help prepare for a natural disaster. For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov, or call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler; our professionals can help your business prepare for the unexpected by offering an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). The profile is designed to be a quick and easy snapshot of your business, providing critical facility information needed for detailed emergency preparation. For a customized Emergency READY Plan, contact us at SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144.

What You Should Know After Storm Damage Affects Your Home

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Though storms are common occurrences, storms that involve high wind levels and flooding can devastate homes. Many people don't know what will happen after their homes sustain storm damage. However, understanding cleanup methods and restoration methods, such as a tear out, can be useful to homeowners.

What Are the First Steps After Storm Damage Occurs?

After the storm has ended, there are several important steps that occur to begin the cleanup and storm restoration processes. After a storm has affected your home, the initial steps can involve:

  • An assessment performed by storm damage restoration experts
  • The documentation of damage, which can be provided to your insurance company
  • A visit from an insurance adjuster
  • Water removal with specialized vacuums, pumps and other equipment


How Is the Home Restored?

There are various restoration methods that are used after a storm. After water has been removed from the home, professionals will work to mitigate the damage by quickly drying the home, often using powerful dehumidifiers and other pieces of equipment. A tear out, the process of removing damaged building materials, can also be useful. After wet building materials have been removed, the home is sanitized. Finally, damaged materials are replaced.

What Happens to Damaged Items?

Many homeowners are concerned about what will happen to their damaged items after a storm. To mitigate the damage to these items, damaged belongings are usually removed from the home after a storm. Clothes, rugs and other items made of cloth can often be cleaned and restored if mold growth is not present, whereas electronics can be difficult to restore. Ultimately, whether or not an item can be restored depends on the extent of the damage and the fragility of the item itself, and items that can't be restored are replaced.

It's often useful for homeowners to know what happens after a storm affects their home. Learning what first happens after storm and water damage has occurred, knowing the methods and techniques, such as a tear out, that are used to restore homes and understanding what happens to damaged items can bring homeowners peace of mind after a storm.

If your home has suffered damage due to storms, call the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144!

SERVPRO Saves Homes After Storm Damage

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

We Can Reduce Flood Damage in Your Home

You were not expecting your home to flood from last night’s thunderstorm, but it did, and water is now standing in your basement. Flood waters contain contaminants like chemicals, raw sewage, and dead animals, which is why you should never hesitate to call in the professionals. Our techs set goals to make your home clean and safe after storm waters enter your house. Whenever it is possible, our crews can restore your home to its pre-storm condition. Plus, they strive to preserve many of the contents inside your home.

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler flood damage teams are highly trained and come ready to get to work when they arrive. The first step the team takes on is stopping the flow of water from entering your basement. Hopefully, that has already occurred. Next, they start extracting the water with various pieces of equipment such as a truck-mounted or portable extractor, wands and pumps that can remove water from the structure fast. The type of machinery we employ depends on the amount of water inside affected areas.

Many flooding situations may require the need for our teams to remove items from the house. When we do remove contents, our technicians keep an inventory of every item during the pack-out stage. Typically, clothing, furniture, and paper documents are sitting in several inches of contaminated water. Our crew can remove and clean all salvageable items with industrial cleaning products. Plus, they can use EPA-registered antimicrobial sprays to sanitize your items before bringing them back inside your home. Ultrasonic cleaning can also restore possessions that our customers believed were lost.

Drying the area is also an essential process during restoration. Our team can use air scrubbers to clean the air. Plus, they can utilize air movers and axial fans to enhance drying. In all cases, we use dehumidifiers to absorb water vapor. Heaters may also be put in place to target specific areas.

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler flood damage restoration services are fast and can help. We are available 24/7 to assist you in your time of need. If a flood ever occurs in your home, call us at (334) 287-1144 right away.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain. We can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.

How Water Pipes Freeze and Break

Water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break.  The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed.  Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention

  • Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes.  You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
  • Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
  • Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

If your pipes still freeze and you have water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:

  1. Don’t delay.  Call us as soon as you notice your water damage.  The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause.  As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
  2. Cut off the water source, if possible.
  3. Get textiles off the floor.  Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay.  Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be.  What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
  4. Begin documentation.  Start with the point of origin and all affected areas.  While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Be Aware of the Weather

Keep your eye on the weather forecast.  Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.  

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144!

Why You Should Hire Professionals to Clean Your Home After a Fire

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Hidden damage and strong odors left behind by a house fire

Even after a small grease fire in your kitchen, you are going to wind up with plenty of damage afterward. You also must deal with a heavy smoky odor throughout your home, black soot on your ceiling and cabinets, burnt grease, and even melted appliances.

Many people attempt to clean up after a small fire in their home themselves. However, it is best to leave the inspection and cleanup of the fire damage to the expertise of our technicians at SERVPRO. We are trained and certified to deal with situations like this and have the proper tools as well to restore your home back to its proper state thoroughly.

Kitchen fires produce a mixture of residues which must be cleaned properly. A big challenge of kitchen fires is you will most likely have more than one kind of material which burns and leaves residues. It is not an easy task for the average homeowner to understand how to clean these residues. The different kinds include natural substances such as wood, paper, or natural fabrics, protein substances like grease and burnt food, plus synthetic substances like plastics. It is best that each kind of substance is cleaned with the right method unique to that substance.

Smoke smells are tough to combat. You can keep cleaning, but the smell of smoke can linger still. Smoke particles are tiny, and each of them has an odor. These microscopic particles make their way inside your walls through air ducts, behind the wood trim, into cabinets, under carpeting, and more. Even if you are the best cleaner in the world, there are such a vast number of places you could miss, and it can take weeks for the smell to dissipate.

The fire could have also done more damage than you realize. If flames shot up an air duct, for instance, you may not know about some of the damage done. When you allow SERVPRO staff to inspect your home, we can find all the hidden damage so that your home is completely cleaned and restored, giving you a peace of mind.

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler has the proper training to handle fire damage of all kinds. Call us at 334-287-1144!

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives and, when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.*

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees, or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler.

- Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

- Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.

- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

- Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.

- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

JUST THE FACTS: Smoke Alarms

- Three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or when the alarms are not working.

- Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.

- More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

- The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

*Statistics and tips provided by National Fire Protection Association

Electrical Fires Can Cause Extensive Damage

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Offers Electrical Fire Damage Restoration Services

Statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration indicate that electrical fires account for about 7 percent of all residential fires in the country. This figure becomes much more significant when scaled down to a specific location. In most cases, the fire occurs from increased use of lights and heating appliances and usually starts in the bedroom. However, the highest number of fatalities (i.e., injuries and even deaths) come from fires happening in the family room, living room, and den.

When it comes to electrical fires, you cannot afford to be tolerant. You need to contact a locally based fire damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO, to start the mitigation process as fast as possible. Some electrical fires happen due to appliance failure or problems in house wiring, but many are a result of simple mistakes such as overloading extension cords or electrical outlets. Whatever the case, our IICRC-certified technicians have the tools and expertise to reverse the damage as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Research on fire damage events has shown that faulty wiring is the leading cause of electrical fires in most homes. If your house is at least two decades old, it is highly likely to have faulty wiring behind the walls. Rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels can find their way into these spaces and chew on electrical cords, increasing the risk of a fire disaster.

At SERVPRO, we also deal with many instances of electrical fire damage resulting from shoddy installation. Home building trades are flooding with professionals who cut corners to save time or money, including electricians. On the other hand, overloading an older electrical system with modern electrical devices can prove to be too overwhelming, leading to damages on your wiring, appliances, and even breaker box.

Holiday seasons are associated with the most house fires resulting from misusing extension cords. Generally, an extension cord should only serve as a temporary solution, especially when it comes to plugging several things in at once. Apart from overloading extension cords, using a frayed power cord can also lead to serious fire damage. Indeed, electricity can escape through the holes in the cord and set the surrounding materials ablaze.

In the event of an electrical fire, make sure that everyone is safe and then contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler as quickly as possible to deal with the fire damage. Electrical fires come with many hidden safety hazards, so it is important to allow trained restoration experts to come in and assess the extent of the damage. For any assistance, you can reach us 24/7, every day of the week at (334) 287-1144.  

Avoid Fire Hazards in the Kitchen

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Who knew that the kitchen would become that wonderfully versatile place where family and friends gather to spend quality time while delicious meals are being cooked up? Unfortunately, however, the kitchen is also a space where many home fires occur.

Fires caused by cooking are listed as the No. 1 contributor of home fires and injuries. And the leading cause of these kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

In 2017, State Farm paid out over $130 million in homeowners insurance claims related to grease and other cooking fires. According to the insurance company, these are the worst states for kitchen fires:

  • North Carolina
  • Texas
  • Pennsylvania
  • California
  • Ohio
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • New York
  • Alabama
  • Georgia

Important Kitchen Safety Tips

Staying in the kitchen to supervise your cooking is not the only fire safety tip you should be following. Here are some other helpful tips to observe while cooking:

  1. Clothing is flammable! Does your outfit have long, flowing sleeves or is it big and baggy? It could catch on fire if you aren’t careful while cooking over the stove. It’s best to wear short or close-fitted sleeve shirts and make sure any baggy shirts are tucked in or tied back.
  2. Be observant as to what you have around the stovetop. Make sure you don’t have kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords or even curtains too close to the stovetop when cooking. Ideally, anything that is flammable needs to be kept a safe distance from it.
  3. Have a fire extinguisher available in/near the kitchen. It is important that you have at least one fire extinguisher available in your home and, ideally, one that is near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher, just in case it is ever needed.
  4. Hot grease in the garbage can be dangerous. While the grease may not actually be on fire, it might be hot enough to cause something in the trash to burn. You should let the grease cool a bit and then dispose of it in an old coffee can. Also, know the smoke points of the oils you cook with. Be sure to never subject a low-smoke point oil to high heat when cooking, as it could catch fire.
  5. Make an emergency escape plan and practice it! It’s never fun when it comes to thinking about the worst that could happen, but it’s better to be prepared than to be caught by surprise if an emergency were to occur. Go over exit routes and designated meeting points with your family, making sure that everyone knows what to do.

Fire safety in the kitchen is an absolute necessity, as it can help prevent dangerous and destructive cooking fires. If your home has experienced damage from a cooking fire, know that SERVPRO® of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

What is Water Damage Restoration?

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, our goal is to restore instead of replace whenever possible. Following are the steps we undertake in order to restore your property after a water damage incident.

Water damage restoration entails:

  • It is putting someone’s home or business back together after a water damage incident. 
  • It is the extra things, like re-laying the carpet, repairing the subfloors, and re-setting the contents. 
  • It is restoring items to a preloss (normal) condition, whenever possible. 

Once the structure and contents are dry, our technicians can perform the restoration services. Restoration services are all of the tasks needed to return the site to its normal, preloss condition. During restoration:

  • All repairs to structure and contents are completed. 
  • Final cleaning is performed. 
  • Final inspections are made. 
  • All equipment is removed from the job site. 
  • All of the customer’s contents are put back in place. 

Restoration may include:

  • Cleaning, repairing, or reinstalling floors and floor coverings, such as carpets, carpet pads, hardwood floors, resilient, and non-resilient floors. 
  • Removing and resetting contents to install or repair floor coverings. 
  • Installing tack strips. 
  • Seaming carpet. 
  • Repairing or replacing subfloors. 
  • Cleaning, replacing, or refinishing structural materials, including walls, plates behind baseboards, ceilings, insulation, framing, and vapor barriers. 
  • Cleaning or repairing items in non living areas, including basements, crawl spaces, attics, and storage areas. 
  • Cleaning, repairing, or replacing ductwork or other portions of the HVAC system. 
  • Inspecting, cleaning, or replacing components of the electrical system, including outlets, switches, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. 
  • Cleaning, deodorizing, or replacing window coverings, including blinds and draperies. 
  • Cleaning and deodorizing contents. 

If you are in need of water restoration at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144!

Choose SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

6/19/2021 (Permalink)

For most homeowners, mold is not even on the list of dangers to their residences. Fire and especially flooding are what occupies most people’s concerns over their home and checkbook. What many forget is that mold can grow unnoticed for years to become just as expansive and expensive a threat.

So why use SERVPRO for cleaning and removing mold damage to your home? Our restoration teams train to the latest industry standards for cleaning and remediation. Our office maintains an extensive inventory of cleaners and equipment for a rapid response. If we do need additional, specialized tools, our access to a national support network ensures we can get everything we need in usually only a day.

The first step our technicians take is to isolate the mold infested areas from the rest of your home. They turn off the HVAC system and, if the ducts are clear of mold, cover the vents with plastic to prevent contaminating them while cleaning. As they do this, other team members seal off the affected area with heavy, plastic sheets and set up a combination of air movers and fans to create negative air pressure and direct loose spores out of your home.

Now, our restoration team removes mold from surfaces in the affected area. The type of surface determines what tools we use. If a surface is metal, glass or plastic, it is non-porous, which means the mold rarely penetrates the surface. Our technicians can wipe these surfaces free of the mold using clothes or sponges. For thicker layers, they may need to use water or a mild cleaning agent to break them up for removal.

For items like carpets, wood, or building materials like drywall, mold often grows or settles into the surface. These are porous surfaces and are harder to clean. SERVPRO technicians have to use stronger cleaning agents and a brush to agitate the mold to draw it out. In many cases, especially with drywall, we recommend disposal since it is cheaper to replace the items than expend the labor hours to restore them.

Afterward, we wait for any spores disturbed by our efforts to settle on surfaces. Our teams use vacuums with special, HEPA filters designed to draw out even a single mold spore from a table or chair. They finish by wiping down the surfaces and then repeat these last actions until the air mold content tests at a safe level.

SERVPRO Can Handle Biohazard Cleanup

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks 

Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Besides, you cannot assume the area is safe again just because the visible traces have been removed. If a space contaminated with blood or other biohazards is not appropriately cleaned, sanitized and restored, these unseen hazards can linger, posing a threat to anyone who enters it. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions 

As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. The responsibility for cleaning up after a crime, trauma or death falls on the property owner, and there are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety At SERVPRO, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the presence of even a minute trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately. Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind.

Training is the Key at SERVPRO

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Training is vital in our industry. Things are constantly changing. Our team needs to stay up on the newest technology as well as the newest information and requirements from insurance companies. 

We trained on the use of our proprietary software program that we utilize in the field to collect and record data in regards to clients losses. This information forms the story of the loss for insurance companies and the client for documentation. It is vital to record the information in regards to affected materials and the process of restoring the affected materials. 

Our team has weekly Monday production meetings to go over any thing of importance but we also do more in depth trainings like these as needed to keep us up to date on information and well informed to make sure we are always ready to help our clients with the most up to date information.

Water Migration Detection is Why SERVPRO Delivers Success

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

When a homeowner tries to determine the extent of a water loss, both instincts and common sense can fall short. When water gets loose inside your home, it can migrate far from the original plumbing break, roof leak, or appliance breakdown. Without the tools to detect the path the water followed, significant damage can go unnoticed. Our investments in education and innovative moisture identification tools help avoid additional expense and secondary damage, why we offer our help. 

Water Detection is a Science and an Art

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses our managers and production technicians master covers the expected and unexpected behavior of water damage inside a bungalow. The lathe and plaster and stucco construction of signature Arts and Crafts structures are both charming and capable of hiding water damage when it is minor and manageable. Our training and experience in tracing water meanderings behind walls and built-in fixtures explains why we are skilled in finding and solving water problems before the integrity of your historic home is compromised.

Aging Heating and Plumbing Plus Temperature Extremes Equal Water Damage Challenges

When your dining room oak floor develops cupping and crowning the search for a water source can be daunting. Bungalows often retain their 100-year-old gravity heating, with old radiators filled with hot water from the boiler in the basement warming spaces. Rusted pipes and failing valves can slowly saturate the floor, unnoticed at first as the issue begins and then spreads from behind the radiator at the wall. Mold development on a main level wall or ceiling can trace to ice dam development the previous winter, moisture seeping in the attic from clogged gutters eventually traveling downwards. Our familiarity with this type of insidious damage is why SERVPRO can respond quickly and reliably to your water damage challenges.

Sensitive Moisture Meters and Infrared Cameras

The availability of and skill in using water detection tools are why SERVPRO crews can outline water damage with accuracy and confidence. Infrared technology indicates the presence of water through temperature variations. Moisture meters establish relative levels of absorbed water in building materials. Periodic use of these tools throughout a water damage remediation project ensures we find and release liquids. Then our Applied Structural Drying (ASD)-certified technicians create an effective drying plan using the data, moving water out of structural components with temperature adjustments and air movement. Dehumidifiers capture the vaporized water for disposal. Moisture measurements continue until we reach designated levels, avoiding over or under drying.

Training and innovative equipment are two reasons why SERVPRO efficiently mitigates and remediates hidden water damage.

SERVPRO's Trained Restoration Specialists

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

We have always put a high priority into educating our team. That need is more important than ever today. SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm with certified technicians. That means you can expect the very highest in standards and protocol to be used in your home or business.

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Advanced Structural Drying

SERVPRO Document Restoration Services

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Document Restoration Services

After any major disaster, restoring your business and mitigating losses is essential for returning your company to an operational state in a timely manner. In addition to clean-up and repairs, you should add document restoration to your list of recovery action items. Using a professional restoration service can help you protect and save many of your important documents, including:

  • Books, journals and magazines
  • Patient records and employee files
  • Blueprints and maps
  • Photographs, film and negatives

Professional document restoration services can save your business because they follow through procedures for preserving and protecting critical paperwork that is often irreplaceable. Insurance companies trust SERVPRO because of the following state-of-the-art offerings.

  1. Modern Technology

SERVPRO uses vacuum freeze-drying, a document drying technique that has been approved by the National Archives and Records Administration. They also use gamma irradiation technology to clean and sterilize items. This is particularly useful if your documents have been exposed to chemicals or bacteria during the incident.

  1. Security

Documents are handled by HIPAA-certified technicians, ensuring compliance with privacy requirements. Your documents are also kept under 24/7 surveillance.

  1. Digital Organization

Converting your files to digital files is a wise choice for protecting them against future incidents. In the event of a fire or flood, your contracts, files and paper materials will stay safely stored and out of harm’s way. Digital files are much easier to organize and access using a computerized inventory system, and they can free up storage space that used to house paper files.

In addition to the services above, a full-service restoration option is available to handle every step of the restoration, from drying and sanitizing to rejacketing and digitizing. This full-service option can save you time and money since the document drying is performed by SERVPRO and is not outsourced to a third party.

After disaster strikes, it is normal to feel overwhelmed about the cleanup process. However, being prepared and having a reliable document restoration service you can trust will save you time and ensure your business is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Damage

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

  • How long will the fire restoration process take?
    Because there are many variables and many services involved in fire and smoke restoration, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration will take. Consult with your SERVPRO Technician on the estimated dates and phases of your restoration project.
  • Can I clean the fire damage myself?
    We suggest that you do not attempt any “do-it-yourself” cleaning methods without consulting your SERVPRO Technician. Professional cleaning systems and products used by experienced, trained SERVPRO Technicians give you the best chance for complete restoration of your belongings. Pre-testing, using the right cleaning agent for the particular item, mixing deodorizing agents with cleaning solutions, and using correct dilution rates are just some of the ways a fire restoration technician expertly controls the results.
  • What are some safety concerns?
    At SERVPRO, occupant and worker safety is a top priority. During the initial inspection, safety hazards are identified and addressed, including debris removal, air quality, electrical hazards, slip and trip hazards, etc. Burnt electrical cords and appliances are separate out for disposal, and questionable electrical appliances are unplugged and tagged for evaluation of the safe operation. Electrical power may be turned off and kept off until evaluation by a licensed electrician.
  • Can I turn on my heating and air conditioning unit?
    We recommend that you not turn on your furnace or air conditioning unit without clearance from the HVAC contractor.
  • What items do I keep in my possession?
    Cash, Medications, Valuable Jewelry, Checkbooks, Personal Documents, Valuable Paintings, Flammables, Pet, Weapons/Ammunition, Gasoline, Cans, Stamp/Coin Collections, etc.
  • How do I keep track of non-restorable items?
    We recommend you make a list of items (including food items) deemed non-restorable. Use a format like a sample below, or obtain a similar form from your insurance company. Make a copy for your insurance company and keep one for yourself.
  • Do I need to move out of my property during the fire restoration process?
    This is ultimately your decision. Some things you may want to consider are safety concerns, odors, electricity, noise from equipment, etc. If vacating your premises for any length of time, consider the following: forward your mail to your temporary residence; stop newspaper and other deliveries; notify utility company, Cable Company, etc. of temporary suspension of services.
  • Do I need general contractors?
    There are some items that may require general contractors, such as drywall/painting, electrical, plumbing, roofing, framing/finish carpentry, flooring/carpet, installation of doors, windows, cabinets, post-construction cleanup, etc. Please talk with a SERVPRO representative as we have the ability to provide these services to you through our own in-house facility.
  • Do my belongings need to be moved away from the premises?
    Depending on the source, nature, and extent of the fire, it may be best to remove all belongings to a secure facility for cleaning, storage and to make room for restoration or construction. SERVPRO will work with you and your insurance claim representative to manage this process.
  • Will I have access to my belongings while they are in storage?
    Yes, with advance notice we can schedule a time for you to access your requested items.
  • What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.
    Some high-value items require restoration by specialists. Working with your insurance claim representative, we can help you identify these and locate a qualified restorer.

Who is responsible for payment for the service?
Ultimately you, the property owner, are responsible for payment and will need to sign a form authorizing repairs and payment for the restoration services. If this is an insurance claim, SERVPRO generally collects the deductible (co-payment) amount from you and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you. If you have a large loss, your mortgage company may be included as a payee on the payment from your insurance company, and you may need to obtain a signature from them as well. If your claim is not covered by the insurance or you decide not to file a claim, you will be expected to pay in full.

Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

6/12/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.

If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.

Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

Smoke Detector Maintenance Tips from SERVPRO

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

You have several appliances, systems, components and products in your home, many of which you use and depend on every day. Perhaps the most important one is something you hope to never need: a smoke alarm. This device is a critical warning mechanism that will alert you if smoke is present in your home. However, if you don't have enough in your house, or if you don't properly maintain them, you could suffer awful consequences if a fire does start.

Proper Alarm Placement, Care

If you move into a new home, you shouldn't have to worry much about whether you have enough alarms. On the other hand, older places might not be up to smoke detector standards. Make sure you adhere to the following:

  • Have one alarm in every sleeping room of the house.
  • Have one alarm outside each sleeping area.
  • Have at least one alarm per floor.
  • Make sure you properly install each alarm; have a professional help you if necessary.

Replacement

For years, fire damage restoration experts have advised homeowners to replace the batteries in each alarm at least once a year. This is a good guideline to follow if you have an older alarm. Newer alarms, however, have a much longer battery life. With these, you'll only have to change the batteries once every 10 years. It is wise to test your alarm monthly. Most models have a function where you can push a button on the device, which will sound the alarm, letting you know the battery is working and that the sound is sufficiently loud.

Don't Disconnect

Whatever you do, never disconnect a smoke alarm. Some homeowners get annoyed when the alarms go off if something is burning on the stove or in the oven. It's unwise to unhook your alarm under any circumstance.

A smoke alarm could save your life someday. Make sure you have the right number in your home and that you replace the batteries properly.

Summer Fire Prevention Tips from SERVPRO

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler deal with many house fires throughout the year, they are the most common disaster throughout the U.S and with the summer rolling in, here are some ways you can help prevent these: 

#1. Don’t use fireworks at home

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, it’s always best to leave fireworks to the professionals and attend public fireworks displays instead.

#2. Be careful when grilling outdoors

Practice safe grilling this summer with these grilling fire tips:

  • Always use your grill outdoors and far away from any structures. 
  • Clean your grill after every use to prevent a buildup of fat or grease that can cause a grease fire.
  • Stabilize the grill on a flat surface to prevent it from tipping.
  • Watch for gas leaks. 
  • Use charcoal starter fluid carefully. Don’t add starter fluid to the fire if it starts to go down.
  • Have baking soda, a bucket of sand, or a fire extinguisher handy if you need to put out the fire. Never add water to a grease fire.

#3. Beware of lawn mower fires

You may use your mower with no signs of trouble then put it away in your garage without realizing the potential danger. If the fuel flows from the tank into the engine while the engine is turned off, it will eventually cause a buildup of flammable vapors and a heat source can spark a fire in your garage. To reduce this risk, replace your fuel line every other year, inspect your carburetor for damage, and add fuel stabilizer every fill up.

#4. Have your air conditioner inspected

Regular maintenance and tune-ups of your heating and cooling systems can help prevent a fire. 

#5. Reduce your risk of a kitchen fire

Throughout the year, kitchen fires are responsible for most home fires. The stovetop is the usual starting point for kitchen fires, not the oven. To reduce your risk of a fire, always remain in the kitchen when grilling, frying, or cooking on your stovetop. Make sure there are no flammable materials near the heat such as a paper towel dispenser or dish towel. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen but not too close to the stove and oven in case of fire and remember to suffocate cooking flames with a lid, not water.

#6. Check your dryer

Most dryer fires are the result of failing to clean the dryer vent ductwork as highly flammable lint will build up over time and may be ignited by the heat of the dryer. Clean your lint trap between every load and clean your dryer vent at least once a year with a special vent cleaning brush. Make sure the outside dryer exhaust vent allows hot air to escape.

#8. Make sure your smoke detectors work

You should have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your house in an area where it can be heard from every room of the house. Inspect your smoke detectors regularly to make sure they work and develop an escape plan that your entire household can practice in case of emergency. The escape route should have two possible exits from every room and these paths should be as free of clutter as possible.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Every fire extinguisher is assigned a class. The suppressant in a Class A extinguisher differs from a Class B, C, D, or K extinguisher. Homeowners should consider where each piece of home fire safety equipment will be kept and choose the most effective suppressant for the fire risks in this area. The following fire preparedness measures can help homeowners purchase the right extinguishers.

Consider the Location

Certain extinguisher classes are better suited for different parts of a residence. Here are a few general guidelines:

  • Home extinguishers should be able to put out fires involving standard combustibles
  • It is a good idea to put an extinguisher rated for electrical equipment near appliances
  • Class B extinguishers can be used on flammable liquids in a garage or work space or kitchen grease fires

Some extinguishers, such as Class D or K, are less common for residential use. Even though a Class K extinguisher is designed to suppress grease fires, using this extinguisher improperly can cause grease to spatter and spread the fire.

Check the Suppressant Class

Each fire extinguisher class is determined by the suppressant. Here are the contents of each major class of extinguisher:

  • Class A uses monoammonium phosphate
  • Classes B and C combine monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate
  • Class D uses sodium chloride or copper powder
  • Class K uses potassium compounds

Multi-class extinguishers are also available. A-B-C extinguishers are popular for residential use.

Choose One-Time Use or Refillable

Homeowners can save money up front by purchasing a single-use extinguisher. A rechargeable extinguisher costs more, but refills are less expensive than buying a new extinguisher designed for one-time use.

All of these factors determine which class of fire extinguisher is the best choice for various areas of a residence. If a fire is too large to suppress, home fire damage restoration specialists can rebuild structural damage and clean contents.

Wood Encapsulation After a Fire

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

In the process where SERVPRO is preparing a home that has had fire damage, the smells and air quality are very strong and unhealthy to say the least.

Even weeks after the entire home has been demoed and the inside of the home is close to being ready for construction to replace drywall, re-texture walls, paint, lay flooring, etc... The odor still lingers!

Here at SERVPRO we tackle the air quality by cleaning ducts, and often replacing the ductwork. The next step is to encapsulate all wood framing that was not damaged however still has been affected by odor.

Once full encapsulation is complete, the home begins to have a clean smell and is safe for being reconstructed.

SERVPRO takes great pride in this entire process and the family is always very hands-on in the SERVPRO process. It is actually very healing for the family because when anyone has been awoken by a home fire, it is very scary and unsettling!

Allowing these families to be a part in choosing what personal belongings they get back within 48 hours, helping to choose new paint colors, flooring, and stepping in to their home once it is encapsulated, it very comforting and these families begin to not only feel hopeful but they begin to relax and see themselves actually coming home.

Give SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler a call at 334-287-1144!

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup & Restoration

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your San Mateo County Home's basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 650-794-1000

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of South San Francisco City/ San Bruno and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

How to Locate Water Leaks in Your Home

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water leaks are more than just a nuisance. Undetected leaks — or those that are simply ignored — can eventually lead to costly repair and further water damage due to rot, mold growth from extra moisture, and other extensive damage. Finding and fixing a water leak early on & before it gets out of hand can save you money and avert potential disaster.

The first sign of a hidden leak can be a higher than normal water bill. Once you’ve ruled out that the cause isn’t due to extra water use by house guests or from watering your lawn and garden during the warm-weather months, an undetected leak is the likely culprit.

Did you know that fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills? 

There are a few different ways to check for hidden water leaks. The first tool is your water meter.

In addition to telling the utility company how much water you’ve used, your home’s water meter can also be used to your advantage to find hidden water leaks.

Follow these simple steps to uncover your water leak:

  1. Stop using all water inside and outside the house. This includes all the indoor faucets, outdoor faucets, water-using appliances, ice makers, and automatic backflow cleaning in whole-house water filters. Don’t flush the toilet during the test.
  2. Locate your water meter. If your meter has a water flow indicator, watch the indicator for movement. This is a small rotating wheel on the meter that can detect even small amounts of water flow. If it moves when you know no one’s using any water, then there’s a leak somewhere in your house.
  3. If you don’t have a water flow indicator, record the numbers that appear on the meter. Wait a few hours (remember not to use any water during this time).
  4. Check the meter. If the meter reading goes up, it’s an indication of a hidden water leak.

Now that you know you have a leak, the next step is pinpointing its exact location. The following are the most common places for a home water leak to occur.

What is Secondary Water Damage?

6/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here Are A Few Things You Should Know About Secondary Damage

Any time you have water damage in your home, there’s a chance that secondary damage could also pose a risk. From what this damage is to types of damage, including black mold, here are a few things you should know.

  1. What It Is

A secondary type of damage is any damage that occurs as a result of damage related to the initial problem. For example, if a pipe breaks the carpet could get soaked. This is a primary damage. However if the soaked carpet is not dried and the sub-floor warps, the damage to the sub-floor would be considered secondary. Secondary damage usually occurs if the initial damage is extremely severe, incorrectly cleaned up, or damage that is not cleaned up in a timely manner.

  1. Types of Damage

There are a few types of damage that often fall into the secondary category. These include warped wood, cracking in sheet-rock or plaster, peeling vinyl, cracked tile, water stains, black mold, and high humidity problems as excess water evaporates. If the water damage has created a weakness in the exterior of the home, such as the roof, you may also experience problems from high winds or additional weather.

  1. What To Do

If your home has suffered any type of water damage it’s best to contact a water damage restoration service for help with cleanup and repairs. These professionals can act quickly, are trained in the proper cleanup procedures, and have the tools necessary to safely do the job. Correctly handling the situation can help you prevent additional secondary damages.

It’s important to remember that Secondary damage happens as a result of water damage. It can include things such as warped flooring or black mold. If you have water damage it’s important to call a restoration service, and make repairs as quickly as possible. Doing so can help you mitigate additional damages to your home.

Heavy Rains Can Lead to Water Damage

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

It does not take a large flood or severe weather to cause water damage to buildings—in fact, any amount of moisture can cause damage.

Heavy rains, defined as a rainfall rate greater than 0.3 inches per hour, are a big culprit of water damage, as they can suss out leaky spots in your home that lighter rain may not affect.

It is important to know where these vulnerabilities lie so that you are able to prevent them and know what to look out for.

How Household Water Damage Can Be a Result of Heavy Rain

Backup of clogged gutters. When gutters are filled with debris and do not allow water to drain effectively, heavy rain can quickly lead to serious pooling of water against your roof. This water can begin to seep into the areas it comes into contact with and cause damages.

Leaks around windows and doors. Any external opening of a home will be sealed when it is constructed, but with age, these storm-proofing measures can grow weaker. Steady rain can work its way into microscopic vulnerabilities in this sealant and lead to leaks.

Poor drainage around the foundation. When water is not able to drain away from the foundation and there is a lot of it, it can begin to seep into even the most resilient of materials such as cinder blocks. Landscaping and proper drainage are great ways to defend against this.

Leaks in and around the roof. Roof leaks are some of the leading causes of water damage to the home, and they can be quite sneaky. Broken shingles or general disrepair can lead to vulnerabilities that steady rainfall can quickly exploit and seep into.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system. For houses that have a sump pump installed, regular care is important to ensure it is working properly. If it is unable to drain water out of your home, you can wind up with a serious flooding issue.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights. Seals on the roof around chimneys and skylights should be checked often and well-maintained to prevent leaks. As these seals age, they can begin to let in water especially if they become overwhelmed with rain.

If you experience water damage due to heavy rain, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144!

Facts About Sewer Backups

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Facts About Sewer Backups

When storms bring heavy rain water you may find your business is in danger of sewer backup. Cleaning up the mess can be a tricky process so there are several things you should know.

  1. Sewer Water is Classified as Black Water

It’s important to note that all sewer water is classified as black water. This is because any water that may have been highly contaminated by fecal matter, bacteria, fertilizer, and other substances unsafe for human consumption falls into this category. Flood water is categorized in this way as well because it is difficult to determine where the water flow has been.

  1. Safety Standards Should Be Followed During Cleanup

Due to its contaminated nature, there are many safety recommendations for dealing with sewer backup. A local flood damage restoration service will already know these regulations and have the appropriate safety gear and cleaners required for the job. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to contact a restoration service if your company has experienced sewage flooding of any type. Appropriate safety gear may include waders, coveralls, masks, gloves, and shoe covers.

  1. The Area Will Need To Be Sanitized

One of the main things to be remembered after removing sewer waste from an area is that the space will need to be sanitized. Doing so can help prevent the spread of bacteria or other contaminants that could lead to further problems in the long term if left untreated. Fortunately, your restoration tech will have the appropriate cleaners and equipment to clean the space before repairs begin.

When dealing with sewer backup it’s important to contact a professional who can follow all the safety standards as Sewer water is considered to be black water. It’s also important to remember that after the material has been removed and the area dries, the space will also need to be sanitized before repairs can begin.

If you have a sewage backup at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144.

A Rusty Water Heater Can Cause Problems

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. If you are having a problem with your water heater, contact a qualified plumbing contractor right away. Once you have called a plumbing contractor, contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler to provide an inspection utilizing advanced technical equipment.

Upon inspection if damages are determined, SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler will address the water damage and provide a full repair service estimate. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler has a 24 hour emergency service team that is highly trained and ready to help you at your home or business.


Contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144 to help save your home or business.

Safety Equipment for Mold Remediation

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Protective Equipment to Remove Mold Damage

You’ve got the black stuff growing in your bathroom and need it gone. Now, people are coming toward you in white, plastic coveralls and wearing face masks. They look like something out of a horror movie. It’s OK, though. They’re getting themselves ready for the mold.

You know the mold remediation specialist and his team are stepping into a potentially dangerous situation that might risk their health. They need to suit up and get protected. What type of protective equipment does a technician need to wear to get rid of the black, nasty stuff?

  1. Full-body Suits

For large remediation projects, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends complete coverage of the body. Disposable coveralls protect any exposed skin from coming into contact from mold and mold spores. Full-body suits made from breathable material such as TYVEK ®also prevent the spores from transferring to clothes.

  1. Face Masks or Air-purifying Respirators

The type of face mask or respirator worn will depend on the size of the remediation. Technicians will wear an N-95 respirator during a medium mold damage cleanup. These facemasks cover the nose and mouth. A P100 respirator is also known as a powered air-purifying respirator. It covers the full face. Only respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are to be worn throughout the remediation process.

  1. Gloves

Like face masks and full-body suits, gloves protect the skin from coming into contact with mold. A technician uses long gloves which extend to the middle of the forearm for the best protection. Gloves come into different materials such as natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

All these things are protective equipment a mold remediation technician uses to safely remove mold damage from your home. To keep you and your family healthy from the effects of mold a specialist needs to keep themselves healthy as well.

Call the Mold Remediation Professionals at SERVPRO

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Growth under a bathroom sink

Anytime you open your windows to let fresh air in, mold spores are blowing through your home. Turning on your air conditioner or heater may produce mold. Rainy days? They are great for watching movies, taking naps, and stirring up mold.

Take a moment and look all around you - everywhere you look, mold spores are present. Moisture provides mold with the perfect climate for growth, and by the time you see mold, it has typically been growing for a long time.

No matter what any business might advertise, you can’t ever fully get rid of mold. There’s a great deal of misinformation about the mold remediation process, and it’s imperative that you work with a company that is forthcoming about the process. At SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, we will always be open and honest with you about what our capabilities are.

Call SERVPRO to Help

All it takes is one simple phone call for help to be on the way. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we are here for you. We want to start your mold remediation process as soon as we can, and we respond to your call and dispatch crews quickly. Mold spreads so rapidly - the faster we get started, the easier and more affordable it is to contain.

Mold Damage Assessment

Peace of mind arrives within hours of calling SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler. We quickly dispatch a Project Manager who helps navigate you through the entire process. They work alongside the crew to locate the water source that is feeding the mold growth. Using advanced technology and equipment, we are able to locate damage even if it isn’t in plain sight.

Mold Containment

The entire mold remediation process must be handled strategically, so there isn’t additional mold spreading during cleanup. For everyone’s health and safety, our highly trained team uses advanced containment equipment and procedures. Negative air chambers help us isolate the area, and negative air pressure can prevent further spreading during cleanup. It’s crucial that we successfully isolate and contain the area before moving forward.

Air Filtration

It takes professional-grade air purifiers and HEPA vacuums to help trap the mold particles. Powerful air scrubbers and filters are used to help filter out the mold spores during the remediation process. At SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, we work hard to make sure that we stop the spreading.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Every home and every situation is unique, which is why there are so many different variables involved in the mold remediation process. Mold can be found anywhere from your carpet to your ceiling. While some areas of mold can be eliminated with antifungal or antimicrobial treatments, other areas and items might require full removal. If you have carpet or drywall that needs to be disposed of, we make sure to handle it safely.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

If mold has spread to furniture or other personal items, we have multiple ways to help restore them. We understand that you might have sentimental items that have been compromised, and we do everything we can to restore those items. Throughout the entire process, your Project Manager works closely with you to make sure that everything is handled with care. Our high-tech equipment cannot just clean and sanitize, but it can also deodorize.

Restoration

It can feel so nice once you are in the final homestretch of the project. The Project Manager assigned to you goes through the area with the team to make sure that your home is all ready to be repaired. Some homes may require some hefty rebuilding of areas, while others may require some fresh drywall or new flooring. No matter what needs to be done, we have experienced workers to make sure it gets done right.

During mold remediation, stress is inevitable, and we understand that this has affected you in multiple ways. We don’t just care about the mold in your home - we care about you. That’s why we assign you a Project Manager who is your one-stop contact and who walks you through the entire process. They are familiar with the insurance process and can provide you with any documentation your insurance company may need.

There is no one-size-fits-all process for mold remediation because there are so many ways and areas that mold can make its appearance in your home. Until we assess the magnitude of the situation, it’s hard to say what your home needs. One thing we can be sure about is that we have the skills and equipment to handle whatever remediation your home may need.

Protect your health and your home - call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at the first signs of mold in your home.

Traits of a Quality Restoration Company

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

What to Look for in a Restoration Company

When looking for a restoration company, there are a number of features you may want to look at including the ability to be faster to any size disaster. Choosing the right company for your property's restoration needs can make a difference. Here are some things you may want to consider.

  1. The Ability to Deal With Multiple Damage Types

Many professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler offer the ability to work with multiple damage types. This is often because one type of damage can lead to another. For example, fire put out by water can also result in mold if the water is left to stand too long. Most restoration companies can help fix smoke and fire damage, water damage, storm damage and also offer mold remediation for this exact reason.

  1. A Quick Response Time

Being faster to any size disaster also means arriving with the right materials and equipment required to do the job. Locally owned franchises such as SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler have locations across the country allowing them to be where they need to be when disaster strikes. Because they are a franchise, they also have access to corporate equipment and materials, which gives them the ability to handle large-scale jobs as well.

  1. They Offer a Variety of Services

A restoration company such as SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler also offers a variety of services designed to help your agent process the insurance claim. These include an electronics inventory service as well as an online database that provides access to information such as photographs and progress reports for the damaged areas, estimates, filed paperwork, and many other details needed for a properly filed claim.

Whether you're choosing a restoration company because they have the ability to be faster to any size disaster, or they can deal with multiple damage types, you may also want to look at the other services they provide. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler can help you clean contents as well as structure. 

GIVE us a call today at (334) 287-1144!

Let the Professionals at SERVPRO Handle the Cleaning

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

We receive this question many times from concerned callers: "Can I just spray bleach on it?" 

Using bleach to take care of mold was once recommended by agencies such as OSHA and the EPA. However, they have since been revised after research revealed that the "do-all, be-all cure" for killing microbial growth, actually had the opposite effect. First, let us take a look at how mold forms to understand why using bleach is not effective. 

Mold needs water, food and typically a warm temperature to grow. This illustrates the first reason to call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler: If mold is growing, chances are that the materials are wet. There has likely been a water loss of some sort, and until it is properly dried, mold will continue to grow. 

The chlorine in bleach, due to its ionic composition, cannot penetrate porous surfaces. Porous surfaces include materials such as drywall, ceilings, wood, carpet and many others. Spraying bleach on the mold will only kill it on the surface. Many people do not know that mold actually has roots called hyphae. These roots will still remain in the porous material and eventually rise to the surface again. Remember that bleach contains both chlorine and water. The chlorine cannot make it below the surface - but the water can. Thus, you are actually replenishing the mold with one of the key things it needs to grow - water! Secondly, it will "bleach" the color, making it appear that the mold is gone. Again, this is only on the surface. 

At SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler we use specialized products, designed to travel deep into porous surfaces to remove mold at its roots. Sometimes we cannot remove the mold from the material and the material must be completely removed from the home for the safety of you and your family. Our technicians are trained to differentiate between what can be safely cleaned and what cannot. In addition, live mold releases spores into the air. The air in your home may need to be treated with specialty equipment to make sure that all spores are removed.

Call SERVPRO for Immediate Service

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (334) 287-1144

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency services or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Give SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler a call today at (334) 287-1144 for all your residential and commercial restoration needs!

Make Sure Your Business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

Covid cases are still going up in our communities and it is important to do everything we can to slow the spread. This has been something that we have been dealing with for most of the year, but we can’t stop taking precautions just yet. This means as a community we have to step up to do everything we can, this includes wearing masks, cleaning/sanitizing business and restaurants, and social distancing as much as possible. One way SERVPRO is trying to help during this pandemic is by offering Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

  • Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
  • Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
  • Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence and you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

The Roof on My Business is Leaking, What Do I Do?

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can have a detrimental effect on your business, and most of it is unavoidable. Whether there is a power outage that threatens your inventory or a leaky window, water in your store disrupts your day-to-day operations. In extreme cases, the roof or a door can break down enough for water to flood your space. When flooding occurs, you need a professional team to inspect the damage and develop a suitable action plan.

Our team is ready to handle flood damage in your business. At SERVPRO, we pride ourselves on our ability to arrive promptly and provide a thorough assessment of the situation, so you have the information you need to make business decisions. Our expertise is verified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the certifying agency in our industry. Rather than assembling a team of contractors to address your needs, let our crew take the helm and lend our expertise to your restoration process.

How does a professional team clean my business after a flood?

Many people wonder what exactly is the difference between hiring a professional restoration team and taking action yourself. Besides our formal training in all water restoration matters, we also have within our reach the latest techniques and equipment in the industry. Handling each project with the correct tools makes for more efficient use of time and money, mitigating your loss. As our SERVPRO team addresses problem areas in your store, we may use some of the following to achieve restoration-

  • Water extractors of various capacities to remove significant volumes of water as well as water hiding in hard-to-reach places
  • Foggers to spray antimicrobial solutions through your store, allowing them to settle on all surfaces and prevent the spread of bacteria
  • Dehumidifiers of varying sizes to improve the speed of absorption for moisture in the air

SERVPRO understands your needs as a business suffering from flood damage. Call us today and let us be your ally in a time of crisis. Like you, we want your store to feel, "Like it never even happened."

How Do I Restore the Floors in My Business?

12/26/2020 (Permalink)

Your Business Can be Restored with the help of a Reputable Restoration Company.

Owning a business may be your lifelong dream, and you probably invest much of your capital and time in making it succeed. When you face an obstacle in getting it restored after a flood or a fire, it is best to trust experts in the field to perform a thorough assessment of the damage and guide you in the restoration process.

In our area, SERVPRO leads all restoration companies with our expert water and fire restoration technicians. Our staff trains with and holds certifications by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), verifying our expertise in the field. When you reach us at our 24/7 hotline, you gain peace of mind at being in the hands of experts.

How does SERVPRO dry my business after a water incident?

Among our specialists, we take great pride in our water restoration technicians and their expertise. At SERVPRO, we know that water in your business implies a loss of time, customers, and revenue, which is why we work diligently to restore your workspace as soon as possible. Our focus is not only on extracting water but also on removing excess moisture to protect your establishment from the threat of mold and other complications. To restore humidity levels our team may use-

Truck-mounted pumps connecting to municipal sewers as needed

Submersible pumps 

Handheld wand extractors for hard-to-reach corners 

We monitor our progress with state-of-the-art moisture meters and complement our actions with dehumidifiers, air circulators, and drying mats as needed. Our SERVPRO technicians document each step, which could help you if you are filing an insurance claim for the incident.

Let SERVPRO be your partner when life events threaten your business. Give us a call today and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Facility Odor Removal

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Keep it Fresh!

Have you ever wondered how your customers feel when they enter your facility? Most commercial property owners strive to offer a comfortable and welcoming facility for their customers. The happier and more comfortable the customer is, the longer they will stay and more likely they will be to return. 

In addition to a clean, neat appearance, your facility should also have a clean smell. Unpleasant odors in your commercial property have the ability to negatively impact your business. Odors are good or bad based on individual perception. It is important to ensure that your customers have a positive perception of your facility. 

SERVPRO is widely known for being the leader in fire and water damage cleanup and restoration but we also offer many other services. Our team at SERVPRO is also trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant odors thoroughly. 

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call today and leave the restoration to us. Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.

Candle Safety Tips

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Although fires from candles happen more often around the holidays, many people use candles all

year round. SERVPRO wants you to be safe from fire and smoke damage. It is

important to be careful any time you have an open flame in your home.

Fire prevention is the best way to fight against fire damage or injuries.

SERVPRO offers these candle safety tips:

  • Do not let children near candles
  • Keep trees and other plants away from candles
  • Make sure candles are not near window curtains or blinds that could catch fire
  • Keep lit candles in safe candle holders
  • Do not leave children alone in a room with lit candles
  • Do not light candles in the bedroom. You might fall asleep. One-third of all candle fires
    start in the bedroom.
  •  If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles
  • If someone in the home uses oxygen, do not use candles
  •  Fire damage from candles happens 35 times a day in the U.S.
  •  Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire
  • Put out candles when leaving the room or going to bed

A little caution goes a long way to protect you and your loved ones. If you have to deal with

damage caused by smoke or fire from a candle in your home, the professionals at

SERVPRO are just a phone call away.

Clean the Dryer Lint Filter to Prevent Fires

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home, SERVPRO can help clean vents and ducts that may have lint build-up.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by obstacles. Do not use a dryer that does not have a lint filter.

Your first hint that you need to check your vents is when your clothing doesn’t dry after a normal drying cycle.

Other hints include a musty odor in the clothing following the drying cycle, clothes that seem unusually hot to the touch, or excessive heat in the laundry room.

If you would like your dryer vent cleaned to minimize risk of fires or you have sustained smoke or file damage from a dryer fire, call SERVPRO today to schedule a free inspection!

Removing Smoke Odor From Your Home After a Fire

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Three Common Home Deodorization Methods

Smoke smell can be a very persistent nuisance in your home. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to address the odor, whether it is caused by a fire or cigarette smoke. The following are three common home deodorization methods.

  1. Air Purification

In many cases, a simple air purifier will eliminate lingering smoke odor. Unlike air fresheners and candles, air filters trap the smoke particles rather than covering up the smell. Air purifiers are often purchased as standalone devices; however, HEPA and activated carbon filters can be purchased for many HVAC systems and help with whole-home odor elimination. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and change the filters regularly.

  1. Ozone Treatment

A more intense method of odor removal is ozone treatment. Ozone machines release ozone particles, which have three oxygen molecules. Due to the chemical structure of ozone, the particles combine with smoke odor particles, creating a new particle that does not smell like smoke. Additionally, ozone itself has a smell that is often described as “clean.” The ability to neutralize unpleasant odors and introduce a pleasant fragrance into the home makes ozone a particularly effective method of dealing with smoke odor. However, ozone can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it is important to hire professional help if you choose this method of home deodorization.

  1. Thermal Fogging

Another odor-eliminating technique best left to professionals is known as thermal fogging. With this technique, a fog of deodorizer is sprayed over the affected area. Additionally, the area is heated up, causing porous materials to expand. This allows the deodorizer to penetrate cracks, crevices, and other areas unreachable by different methods.

If your home has a lingering odor from cigarette smoke, a house fire, or fireplace, a professional restoration service can help you with home deodorization. Instead of simply covering up the odor, they can eliminate it so that it does not return.

SERVPRO Smoke & Soot Cleanup

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, our professionals at SERVPRO will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

If you have experienced fire damage to your property, give us a call today and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Overloaded Electrical Circuit Safety Tips

Electrical circuits can become dangerous when overloaded.  Though it may be easy to simply plug in another power strip or extension cord when adding equipment, the wiring in some buildings often isn't capable of supporting too many high powered electronics.  Older office buildings and homes, in particular, often suffer from lack of electrical outlets.

Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by learning the warning signs and not overloading your electrical system.

Overloaded circuit warning signs:

  • Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
  • Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
  • Warm or discolored wall plates
  • Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
  • Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches
  • Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches

How to prevent electrical overloads:

  • Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances
  • All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only plug one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time
  • A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets
  • Power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being received from the outlet

If fire damage has impacted your home or business, please call SERVPRO. Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.

Avoiding Business Interruption

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Avoiding business interruption is almost always the top priority of our commercial clients. 

At SERVPRO, many of our members come from backgrounds in finance and accounting professions, and they understand the importance of maintaining cash-flow for a business. 

Prior to beginning a commercial restoration project, the facility is walked-through with appropriate decision makers. If avoiding business interruption is a priority, our team will work with the client to provide quality service while helping the client maintain production in their facility. Some of the ways we do that is by working out a schedule with the client so that our team works after hours or on weekends while the facility is normally closed; or, we may work around the client in specified areas during business hours; another solution is moving the client to another building until restoration and repairs have been completed. Whatever the answer may be, each is tailored to meet and satisfy the needs of our client on a case by case basis.

Commercial Damage

At SERVPRO, we recognize the urgency to react and to immediately build a recovery plan when we partner with commercial clients. Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels in order to simplify settlements during claims or direct pay losses. If tenants are involved, we have the flexibility to work directly with them individually. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that our customers can understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry. If there is a disaster in your commercial facility, call the team at SERVPRO. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

How to Prepare Your Company for a Fire

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

The effects of a fire in your office could be devastating, especially if you're not prepared. There are effective ways to not only evacuate safely but to mitigate or even prevent the damage. Every company needs a contingency plan to be ready for a fire in the workplace. If you don't currently have one, now is the time to get started.

Preventive Measures

As a responsible business owner or property manager, you should be consistently looking out for the safety of the occupants and the protection of the property. These steps can reduce the chances of a fire starting:

  • Inspect the electrical system in the building and make necessary repairs.
  • Properly store flammable chemicals and materials.
  • Ensure that all employees comply with regulations to smoke outside of the building.

Check Smoke Alarms

A big part of your contingency plan should include an assessment of the fire alarm system in the building. You should change the batteries every year and the alarms themselves every 10 years. If you have a digital system, have a professional test the alarms regularly. You should have several alarms on each floor of the office.

Outline an Escape Plan

If the smoke alarms go off and a fire begins to make its way through your building, will you know how to safely exit in an orderly fashion? If you have not come up with an evacuation plan, start today. Your plan should include identifying every exit on each floor. Also, assign roles to responsible people, including the task of ushering people out of the building and taking a headcount to make sure everyone safely evacuates. Determine a safe place to gather away from the building. You should practice this plan at least once a year.

A contingency plan can save your life during a fire. A professional fire cleanup and restoration team can get your building back in working order. In the meantime, you've got these important tasks to fulfill.

Recovering After a Tornado

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are a terrifying, often devastating, weather event. They can turn houses into dust, and flip lives upside down. Living through a tornado can be traumatizing, and sometimes the aftermath is just as bad. Parts of your home may be destroyed, and the idea of fixing it can be overwhelming. Recovering from a tornado could be a huge task, depending on how bad the damage was. However, there are steps to take toward recovery and people ready to help along the way. There are steps that should be taken right after the storm passes, and other steps to take down the road when it is time for repairs and cleaning.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The first step is to stay in your safe place until the storm has completely passed. If you are able, try and wait until you get the all clear from local officials. After the storm, check yourself and those with you for any injuries. If someone is hurt, the next step is seeking out first aid. After everyone has been checked and is okay, you should see how bad the damage to your house is. Make sure to watch out for anything that is unstable and likely to fall. If you go outside, look out for any downed power lines. They can be life threatening, so if you see downed power lines stay inside.

Protect Your Property

After you make sure yourself and your loved ones are protected, start protecting your property. You can make temporary repairs in order to prevent further damage. Many insurance companies will reimburse you for the cost, so make sure to keep receipts just in case. In addition to temporary repairs, living expenses may also be reimbursable. If your house is damaged to the point of you having to stay in a hotel, keep the receipts. Your policy may pay you back for the cost of it. Make sure to make a list of anything that was damaged, and don’t throw out damaged belongings. An adjuster will need to assess them for value if your policy covers replacing them. You should also inspect all utility lines and appliances. Any damage could lead to a gas leak or electric shortage. Damaged electric wires may also cause a fire. You may even have to turn off the main valve in order to prevent more harm to your house. Once these steps have been taken, contact your insurance company. From there, they can work with you to see what your policy covers. Most of the time, they will hire services to come out and repair damages.

Clean Up and Repair

SERVPRO has an incredibly fast response time when it comes to disasters. We have equipment and personnel ranging across 1,700 franchises. Our experience and training will allow us to restore your property quickly and efficiently. In addition, we will document the entire process.

What to Do When a Storm Impacts Your Business

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

When you know that a storm is likely to impact your business, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, focusing on storm preparedness before a disaster occurs can help to keep yourself, your staff and your property safe.

  1. Document the Building’s State Before the Storm

When a building is damaged, it’s often important for property management to provide the business’ insurance company with documentation of the destruction. However, it may also be beneficial to have photographs of your property prior to the incident. By showing an insurance adjuster what the business looked like before it sustained damage, you can help to ensure your claim is accurate.

  1. Establish a Line of Communication

Storms can come on suddenly, and in the event that the property needs to be evacuated, it’s useful to know how to contact all employees in a timely manner. As part of your storm preparedness plan, you may consider asking all staff members to provide you with a way to reach them quickly before a disaster. Since you may not be present in the building when an emergency occurs, it can also be wise to create a list of tasks that the last person to exit should perform. An example might include making sure all doors and windows are closed.

  1. Inspect the Property

Inspecting the structure before a storm can help you prevent damage, because leaks or malfunctioning equipment may worsen any problems that do occur. An inspection will also allow you to observe any openings in the building, which can happen when roof shingles are cracked or missing. This may let rain get inside more easily. If you see signs of a problem, you should contact emergency restoration services to prevent additional issues.

As a property manager, storm preparedness can be an important element of your job. Documenting the building before a disaster, establishing a line of communication and inspecting the structure can help you to prepare your business for any situation.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to help get things back to "Like it never even happened."

Clogged Drains Can Cause Flood Damage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our Flood Water Removal Technicians Will Help You Handle the Storm Flood Damage in Your Property.

Floodwater can cause lasting damage when it gets into your property. It rots wood paneling, stains furniture, and causes mold infestation. However, if you engage with SERVPRO technicians immediately after the storm, we can work quickly to get your property back to its former glory.

How much does flood damage restoration cost?

The cost of storm flood damage to property varies from case to case, depending on its intensity. When looking for restoration services near you, it is essential to note that the cheapest option is not the best. Quality matters, and you need to rely on the professionals to do an excellent flood damage remediation and restoration job.

At SERVPRO, our pricing system is straightforward and guarantees every client a friendly price. We have a team of certified price-estimators who follow a standardized process of assessing the restoration cost.

What should I do after my home floods?

  •   Follow the authority’s instructions.
  •   Keep off from any electrical cords and switch off the main electricity supply.
  •   Keep your kids from moving flood water.
  •   Avoid consuming foodstuffs that came into contact with the water.

Can you remove the mud on my driveway?

Our technicians have access to top of the line equipment and tools for effective cleaning. Since flood water can carry dirt and debris to your doorstep and into your property, we can use a diesel-powered power washer to clean the mud on your driveway and sidewalk. However, the equipment's pressure might not be sufficient to break the bound of the dirt. Therefore, we can add detergent to enhance the cleaning power of the machine.

How long does the drying process take?

The drying process in water cleanup and restoration can take several days. With the help of our advanced equipment and tools, we can dry your property thoroughly. We can place several axial air movers in the affected area to facilitate drying. The equipment removes moisture in affected surfaces and turns it into airborne water vapor. We remove the water vapor from the air using your home’s HVAC system and low grain dehumidifiers. The dehumidifier converts water vapor into liquid and extracts it from the property.

If flood damage occurs in your property, act fast. The longer the contaminated water stands in your property, the more damage it can cause. Call SERVPRO today and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

How SERVPRO Handles Storms

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Storms have become stronger and more severe over the years.  However, thanks to the technology available today we know a storm is coming and we prepare the best we can and it still isn’t enough. Neighborhoods, cities, towns and even states are displaced by storms.  

When a storm event occurs all resources are stretched to the breaking point including shelter, food, and water. These are just the basics of necessities that are hard to take care immediately following a devastated storm. We at SERVPRO have teams all over the country who are called Storm Teams. These Storm Teams have the equipment, manpower and knowledge to hit the ground running to help clean up and restore after a disaster. 

Our corporate office does a great job of dispatching our Storm Teams to the right place so that we can help communities get back on their feet. SERVPRO works with the people, insurance companies and authorities to get the area back to normal as quickly as possible. 

When you see the next storm headed to a city rest assured SERVPRO is ready to respond where we are needed.

Signs of Storm Damage to Your Home

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm rolls through, it is important to inspect your house for damage the storm may have caused. Listed below are areas you should be looking at.

  1. Roof: Look for shingles that have discoloration, tearing, or even holes in them. These can all be signs that your roof has been damaged. Another sign is if there are leaks in your roof or your ceiling.
  2. Gutters: After a hail storm, looking for dents or dings can also give you a better picture of what the storm did to the rest of your home. Your gutters can also give you insight to whether you have roof damage. Check to see if there are granules from the asphalt shingles in your gutter.
  3. Windows: Look at each of the windows on your homes and note any signs of shattered or broken window and frame damage. This is especially important after a hail storm or a strong wind storm.
  4. Exterior: Not only is it important to look at the siding of your home to check for damage, it is also important that you check all appliances. Inspect your AC/HVAC unit as well as items such as an outdoor grill.

After your inspection, if you notice any signs of storm damage follow up by checking the area for signs of mold, mildew, pests or other secondary damage. Our team is able to put an emergency roof tarp to prevent any further damage. Call SERVPRO and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

High Winds Can Be Powerful

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

What are damaging winds? 

Damaging winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornado damage.  Strong thunderstorm winds can come from a number of different processes.  Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft.  Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.

Straight-line wind is a term used to define any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation, and is used mainly to differentiate from tornadic winds.

A downdraft is a small-scale column of air that rapidly sinks toward the ground.

A macroburst is an outward burst of strong winds at or near the surface with horizontal dimensions larger than 4 km (2.5 mi) and occurs when a strong downdraft reaches the surface. To visualize this process, imagine the way water comes out of a faucet and hits the bottom of a sink. The column of water is the downdraft and the outward spray at the bottom of the sink is the macroburst. Macroburst winds may begin over a smaller area and then spread out over a wider area, sometimes producing damage similar to a tornado. Although usually associated with thunderstorms, macrobursts can occur with showers too weak to produce thunder.

Source: www.nssl.noaa.gov

Smoke Detectors Can Save Lives

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Fire spreads fast once it is started so SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler wants to remind you that smoke detectors (smoke alarms) can help save lives in your Cottage Hill home.

An alarm alerts you that danger is present giving you time to get out.

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler wants you to remember:

  • Closed doors can slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. That is good for reducing smoke damage and fire damage. That is also why you should have a smoke alarm in every sleeping room in the home
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of the home
  • Large homes might need extra smoke alarms
  • Some companies make alarms that are interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound
  • Do not turn off smoke detectors when cooking
  • Test the smoke alarms at least once a month. There is a test button on the alarm
  • When the alarm sounds, get everyone outside and stay outside
  • Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years

If your home is not properly protected by a smoke detector, please install one. If you experience a fire, immediately vacate the home and then contact your fire department once you are outside the home.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144 for all your fire restoration needs!

Things You Shouldn't Do If You Have Flooding In Your Basement

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

When a broken pipe or appliance causes flooding in your basement, it is important to have it taken care of right away since the excess water can cause a lot of damage to your home. If it remains there for an extended period of time, it can ruin your belongings and weaken the structure of the building. Wood will begin to warp and rot, and mold will grow and spread. The following steps should be taken in this situation.

  1. Start Filing a Claim

Because water damage from flooding can be costly, you should begin filing your insurance claim immediately. Call your agent to inform them of the damage so that they can start the process. Waiting too long to call can result in your claim being denied and you may be stuck paying for repairs on your own. Contacting the company right away will prevent this and will allow you to complete the claim sooner.

  1. Call a Restoration Service

The next call you should make is to a clean up and restoration service. It is important to have the water removed as soon as possible, so don’t put it off. A professional company will be able to perform pipe repair on the source of the water and start work on salvaging your home and belongings.

  1. Document the Damage and Begin Cleaning Up

You don’t need to sit around doing nothing while you wait for the insurance adjuster or restoration company to arrive. Instead, you can begin making a list of damaged areas and belongings and taking pictures of the basement flood. The adjuster can use these to help process your claim. You should begin cleaning the area as well if it is safe to do so.

Because flooding in your home can cause a significant amount of damage, it is important that you handle the situation properly to reduce the time needed for repairs as well as the cost. Following these steps can make the situation go more smoothly. Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144. 

Living In Your Home During A Water Damage

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Any time you experience water damage in your home it can be distressing. Coming home to or waking up and discovering water damage can throw off your entire day. Once the damage is discovered, you begin the process of making phone calls and going through the steps to repair the damage. 

Often times when water damage occurs the customer has to live in their home throughout the process. In severe cases they may find other temporary arrangements. When we come into your home during your frustrating time, it is our goal to make sure that the process of getting your home back in order is as stress free as possible. We will set up our drying equipment in the affected areas and perform any necessary demolition to wet materials. We always strive to have the home dry and have equipment removed within 4 days. At that point the customer can choose to complete the necessary repairs.

 In the case that you ever experience water damage, rest assured that we can take care of you! Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144.

We Have the Necessary State of the Art Equipment to Handle Your Water Damage

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Performs Efficient Water Damage Restoration in Affected Homes

Even though a water intrusion problem resulting from a sink overflow or rainwater infiltration may look small, it may cause significant destruction if ignored for an extended period. If you discover water damage in your residence, the wise decision is to seek professional help from SERVPRO. We offer emergency water restoration services around the clock.

With highly trained technicians who have decades of experience, we can restore any magnitude of water damage in your residence. We have state-of-the-art equipment that helps us handle the situation faster to meet or exceed our client's expectations. If a leaking roof caused water damage, we are reliable experts who can perform the necessary repairs. Fast water removal helps limit the chances of secondary property damage. The removal of excess water helps in speeding up the drying process.

One of the most challenging situations you may face following water intrusion in your home is dealing with wet carpeting. Drying the carpet immediately after the incident is critical. Maybe your carpet is expensive, or you have an emotional attachment to it, and you do not want to lose it. If only a small area of the carpet has water, drying, it can be straightforward. However, if a large area is affected, you may need to use more than one drying method. Our team can use light wands to remove the water damage. This equipment can extract water rapidly from glue-down carpets.

Water can get into hard to access areas. In extreme cases, we may remove some structures in your property to pave the way for drying. For instance, we might remove the carpet and pad if they are covering wood flooring. By removing them, we can dry the wood flooring effectively. During the removal process, our technicians ensure that the carpet and pad remain intact to avoid further damage. We can use a stair tool and knee kickers to remove the carpeting and padding. We only reinstall the carpet after restoring the affected area.

Water can also affect drywall with insulation and saturate wall cavities, making them difficult to dry. Our SERVPRO team has equipment that can effectively dry the cavities and the insulated walls. We can use centrifugal air movers to dry the cavities. Our crew can attach shrouds or other attachments to these air movers so that the machines can introduce dry air into wall cavities and beneath kitchen cabinets.

Do not let a water intrusion problem cause secondary damage to your property. Contact SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144 for fast restoration that can make the water damage seem “Like it never even happened.”

How to Flush a Water Heater

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

5 Steps To Flush a Water Heater

Flushing a water heater can maintain its functionality. The tank in this appliance can fill up with minerals and sediment, depending on the water quality at your residence. These five steps walk a homeowner through the water heater flush procedure.

  1. Turn Off the Heater

Switch off the power to an electric heater at a circuit breaker. For a gas unit, turn off the valve and extinguish the pilot light.

  1. Connect a Hose

Attach a garden hose of sufficient length to the drain valve on the heater and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Make sure that the destination will not suffer as a result of exposure to mineral deposits.

  1. Drain the Tank

Open the water heater drain valve and allow water to flow for several minutes. Turn on a sink hot water spigot to drain remaining water. Turn the water supply valve on and off to flush the tank.

  1. Close the Valves

Close the drain valve and turn the cold water supply back on. Then, turn on the hot water spigot at a sink or tub. The water will be cold, but this will push air out of the system. Turn the spigot off once the flow becomes consistent.

  1. Turn the Heater Back On

Restore the power to an electric heater from a circuit panel or turn on the flow of gas and relight the pilot. It may take up to 20 minutes to produce hot water.

Perform a water heater flush at least once a year. Follow these steps every eight months in a household of three to five residents, or every six months in a household with more than six residents.

If a water heater leak results in damage to your home or business, contact an appliance repair professional and a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at 334-287-1144. 

Why Do Pipes Burst in the Summer?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

When you hear about pipes bursting it is assumed it’s because of freezing temperatures, well that is the case most of the time but pipes can be faulty in the summer months as well.  Yes, its highly unlikely extreme temperatures and increased usage can lead the pipes to burst. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler wants our customers to be able to have tips and knowledge to help prevent it from happening!

Extreme Temperatures

With summertime comes less rainfall and harsh heat which can make the land and soil extraordinarily dry.  This makes the soil looser and makes the pipes more susceptible to movement which can lead to breakage. The breakage is more likely to happen on the route of the pipes from the road to your home, rather than inside your home. While you can’t control the weather, you can decrease the amount of water usage during extreme temperatures to alleviate the pressure on your system.

Increased Consumption

Who wants a pipe burst to put a damper on their summer? No one, right?  We know that during the summer months you may have a sprinkler, a garden, hanging flowers, all of which require water.  We are just as big of fans for summertime festivities as our customers and community members, with the increase of consumption can lead to failing pipes if your system hasn’t been updated or recently checked recently.  Another way to minimize the chance of a pipe bursting is to make sure that there isn’t any warping due to the cold weather in winter, to ensure your system can keep up with summer demands.

If any loss is to occur no matter the time of year, SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is here to help and will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call us at 334-287-1144!

Negative Effects of Pipe Cleaning Products

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Virtually anyone who has ever owned a home has dealt with the annoyance of backed-up pipes and a clogged drain. These issues can cause water to go down slowly or not at all. For many people, the first thought is to run to the store and pick up a drain-cleaning product. While these may seem effective, you should exercise caution and be aware of the long-term challenges they can create.

What Happens in the Pipes?

The hydrochloric acid in a drain cleaner can eat away at debris inside pipes. The liquid is designed to loosen the blockage, freeing the pipe or drain of the obstacle so water can go down. However, the chemicals can also affect the pipes and drains in the following ways:

  • The chemical can sit in the pipes too long.
  • The chemical can erode the pipes.
  • The chemical can harm the finishes in your bathroom or kitchen.

Effects on Older Plumbing Systems

If you use these products on older pipes for a clogged drain, the consequences can be even more severe. While the cleaning agents may appear to work effectively, they can also harm the pipes through oxidation.

Effects on Plastic Pipes

If you have plastic pipes in your home, a cleaning product could be even more detrimental. The chemicals can create heat, warping, or damaging the pipes. If you continue to use the products on these pipes, they could break down and require replacement.

Other Outcomes

Drain cleaners can also be harmful to the environment and your septic system. Be aware that breathing in the fumes of these cleaners and touching the liquid can irritate your respiratory system and skin.

The Alternatives

For continual issues with a clogged drain, contact a plumber to inspect your lines. You can also get in touch with a professional sewage cleaning company to safely clear out your system.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144!

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Services

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home or business can happen at any time. From a small leak in your roof to a bathtub or toilet overflow to a broken water heater to major flooding from a storm, water can damage your home or business quickly when you least expect it.

When water damage occurs, there are many factors that you must consider to tackle the issue including how much water you are dealing with, the potential for deterioration, and the rate the materials affected will soak up the water.

If water and moisture are left in items such as furniture, carpet, or building materials such as drywall or plaster, mold will begin to develop within a day or so. While metals will rust and corrode, drywall will begin to crumble and wood will begin to swell, split, and eventually rot. The main objective is to get the area affected by the water dry as soon as possible.

For minor water damage, you may be able to take care of the issue yourself. An example of a minor issue would be if your kids decide to get water all over the bathroom floor and you immediately mop it up. Since the potential for mold and structural damage is minimal, you can handle it yourself.

When there is major flooding in your home or business and walls, flooring, and even insulation is saturated, it is time to call upon a professional water damage restoration company. The technicians are experienced at water eradication and will be able to dry out the affected areas much quicker, decreasing the chance for dangerous mold to form and the possibility of damage occurring. The technicians are also aware of electrical hazards, health risks, and other safety hazards so they can remove the water in a safe manner. They also have the specialized equipment such as HEPA air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture and odor in the air, leaving your home or business fresh, clean, and dry.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144!

Buckled Floors? Call SERVPRO ASAP!

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

What Causes Hardwood Floors to Buckle?

Floor buckling is the most extreme reaction to moisture in a hardwood floor. Buckling occurs when the wood flooring pulls up from the subfloor, lifting several inches in one or more places. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence.

If caught early, spot repair and replacement may be possible. Once the standing water is removed, several boards can be taken up from the floor so that the air can circulate across and below the floor. When the floor has dried to a more stable moisture level, repairs can usually be made.

What can SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler do?

  • Set up floor protection, drying mats and drying equipment
  • Wear PPE
  • Clean all affected areas
  • Content Manipulation, full Pack out and Storage
  • Removal of buckled floorboards

Additionally, our Reconstruction Division will be able to replace the flooring for you, professionally. Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144!

Check the Drip Pan on Your HVAC

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business has central air conditioning you are probably prone to want to stay inside and stay cool during these hot summer days. And why not! Air conditioning has revolutionized the way we live and the places we can inhabit. But one hazard with a central air handling unit that most home and business owners are not aware of is the overflow of the drip pan, especially when the unit is working in overdrive! Your drip pan is designed to drain out of the building but this small drain line (normally 1" PVC) can easily be clogged just enough to slow down the drain pan and to cause the overflow. The result of this issue is water damage that could go undetected for weeks while causing thousands of dollars in damage. If you experience water damage from an air handler overflow, call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144! We can help with all phases of restoration.

Need Help with Water Damage?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Extracting Water From Drywall is Not an Easy Task

It is almost inevitable that your home suffers from water damage at some point in time. Homes in the northeast are susceptible to rain, to the routine wear and tear of plumbing and appliances, and even the added stress that a change in temperature can place on the structure of your home. Regardless of the culprit, water can make its way into your home fairly quickly, leaving you in need of water removal services to restore it. When this happens, many homeowners consider forgoing professional advice and applying themselves to the cleanup process. As admirable as this effort is, misinformation can misguide your tactics, compounding the problem and leaving you vulnerable to future complications.

Our  neighbors who need help with water damage can count on SERVPRO for expert advice. Our team holds certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), where they learn about the intricacies of water removal and the restoration of your home. A call to our 24/7 hotline gives you access to our knowledge and expertise, which we put to work as soon as we arrive at your residence.

An essential aspect of what we do at SERVPRO is understanding the materials present in your home. Their use and composition guide our steps in evaluating the restorability and drying plan for your house. For example, drywall is present in many households, but they are not all the same. The drywall in a bathroom is different from one in a living room, and may require additional drying time. By using specialized moisture meters, we can determine just how extensive the water damage is and plan accordingly. This process also informs us as we evaluate restoration versus replacement and the cost-efficiency involved in this decision. When you choose to handle water extraction without expert advice, you run the risk of leaving hidden damage unattended, which can eventually resurface as mold and further complications.

Water removal is one of the areas of expertise for SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler. When you call us at (334) 287-1144, you gain access to a vast amount of technical knowledge that works to protect your home. Our technicians, like you, commit to taking every step toward leaving your home, “Like it never even happened.”

The SERVPRO Advantage

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is not just a local brand, but a national one.

Since its founding in 1967 SERVPRO has expanded to over 1,700 locations across the United States and Canada. Since then SERVPRO has also greatly expanded the array of services we offer. Since those services range from carpet cleaning and deodorization to large scale disaster recovery and with SERVPRO’s 1,700+ locations our collective knowledge and experience are one of the greatest assets SERVPRO has and we know how to use it. SERVPRO locations provide all kinds of support to each other ranging from equipment to people-power and technical advice. Sometimes we might run into an issue that we have not encountered before or possibly elements to a job that prevents our normal methods for jobs. This is when we have been able to rely on the knowledge base which our corporate office and other SERVPRO’s have accumulated. It does not matter what emergency you are facing. From Water Mitigation, Fire Restoration, or Mold Remediation. SERVPRO has the team and backing to handle it all. We are known for taking care of big problems and disasters, but we also are adept at helping people with issues you normally may not know the solution too. If you have an emergency which makes you think “I don’t even know who does this”, try giving us a call at (334) 287-1144!

Why Realtors Should Use SERVPRO

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Currently, we are in a time where the real estate market is hot. Houses are selling faster than they can be listed. We are seeing interest rates drop to an all-time low and what a better time to have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings whether it be a commercial or a residential listing. 

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler understands that you want to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. How your listing looks is everything to a potential buyer and we can assist in making that happen. It doesn’t matter what shape or situation your listing is in, the SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler team can assist you in many different ways to make this sale quick and the most profitable for you!  Our team can assist you in inspecting a crawl space/attic area for mold, water, or biohazard damage and fix this damage efficiently. Our team can even assist in estate sales in the case of hoarder cleanouts with optional inventory itemization and cleaning services. A SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler professional would be happy to attend your next sales meeting to discuss how to recognize the potential for mold and what to do in case of a fire or water emergency.

Give us a call at (334) 287-1144!

SERVPRO Offers Continuing Education Courses

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler offers Continuing Education courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters and Real Estate professionals. The Continuing Education courses provide you with information to better service your customers.

These programs are designed to improve the knowledge of your staff regarding emergency mitigation. 

Here are some of the CE courses that are offered by SERVPRO:

  • Property Fire Damage Restoration
  • Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
  • Restoring Contaminated Buildings
  • Restorative Drying for Water Damage
  • Cleaning and Restoring Smoke-Damaged Contents
  • Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
  • Deodorization of Malodors
  • Biohazard Cleanup
  • Ethics

Lee Knowles, Owner of SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is an approved instructor of these courses. Contact SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at (334) 287-1144 to schedule one for your office.   

This is just one more way SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is Here to Help!

Call SERVPRO for All Your Residential & Commercial Needs

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Pickens, Greene, Sumter, Marengo, Choctaw, and Clarke Counties. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (334) 287-1144!

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

SERVPRO Can Help Save A Claim

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

One of things that make SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler so unique is how we work with our agents and customers to identify whether a claim should be filed.

SERVPRO has learned that insurance companies do not look favorable on zero paid claims. The insurance companies have found that people who turn in small claims are in effect using their policies as a home maintenance program.

We tell our agents to call us so we can put eyes on the situation. We can tell within a few minutes whether the claim will meet or exceed the customers deductible. This in turn helps the customer avoid higher rates, and the agent avoids a loss that in the long run could affect retention.

SERVPRO was recently asked by an agent to look at a customer‘s basement that had a sump pump malfunction. After reviewing the loss, the damage would not have met the insured's $2500 deductible. This insured avoided a claim and had SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler do the water mitigation. Both parties were happy and we have a very satisfied agent and customer.

Don't Wait for an Adjuster After a Residential Flood

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

No one wants to go through a home flood. Still, flood damage in the Livingston/Demopolis/Butler area, is more common than you might think. As you probably know, the hours following such an event are critical. If you wait for an adjuster from your flood insurance company before taking action, you may inadvertently allow more damage to occur. Here are three important reasons you should not waste time following a flood.

  1. Water Gets Everywhere

Because it is a liquid, water can seep into parts of your home you may not think about. Even worse, sealed portions of your basement, crawl space and walls often prevent air from naturally drying moisture. If you wait for your adjuster to arrive before beginning water remediation or damage repair, the processes may be both more expensive and more invasive.

  1. Mold Grows Fast

Part of the reason for having comprehensive flood insurance is to cover the cost of repairing mold damage. Like water, mold can grow in hidden parts of your home. Remediation experts have the knowledge, skill, experience and tools to quickly locate and address mold and mildew. Rather than waiting for an adjuster to inspect your home, working with a reputable service in the days following a flood is often your best bet to restore your home’s comfort, appearance and value.

  1. Adjusters Are Busy

If broken pipes or backed-up plumbing caused your flood, your adjuster may respond quickly. On the other hand, if your home was part of widespread flooding, the insurance company’s representative may have a full schedule. In fact, you may wait weeks before your adjuster arrives. Remember, acting quickly is important, and waiting may cause more damage.


As a diligent homeowner, you carry flood insurance. You also likely have a duty to mitigate damage caused by rising waters. Rather than waiting until your insurance adjuster can inspect your home, begin the remediation and restoration process as soon as you can. Give us a call at (334) 287-1144!

Wintery Stormy Weather

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Here in Livingston, Demopolis, Butler, we get excited when we have even the slightest "threat" of snow. What we usually experience is some flurries, then heavy freezing. So many homeowners are unaware of how to handle a situation in which their pipes freeze in these winter storms. 

A heavy winter freeze when your home is unprepared can lead to pipes freezing, cracking and then severe water damage in your home. As bipolar as mother nature is in Alabama, within a few days of this water damage to your home, microbial growth can begin if the right conditions are in place. 

Homeowners also sometimes forget safety precautions when it comes to indoor wood fires, space heaters, and gas logs. One in six home fires during the winter months (December, January, February) are caused by home heating elements. Be sure to check your smoke alarms regularly. Be sure to treat space heaters and fires with EXTRA caution. 

Know that SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is always here to help. 

Call us for water and fire damages at 334-287-1144.

Water Damage Can Be a Nightmare

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Research shows that every year 250,000 homes are exposed to water damage from bursting pipes.  Floodwaters rising only 6 inches in a 30 x 30-foot room can destroy everything in that room. Getting rid of water from a home is only the first phase of the cleanup process. Water also has to be carefully removed from drenched frames, drywall, wall panels, carpets, and anything else at risk for other more complicated mold and mildew problems. Water damage from bursting pipes, no matter how small and seemingly contained, is always a huge water damage restoration project that should only be done with professional help.  A small broken pipe in the basement can cause a flood of great proportions. Water does even more damage on the higher levels of a home, where it travels across floors and around frames causing damage to everything in its path until it finally reaches a drain point somewhere.

Bursting pipes can result from malfunctioning dishwashers, leaky washing machines and ice-makers, clogged toilets and sinks, faulty appliance hoses, leaky pipe fittings, frozen pipes and gutters, leaking roofs and ice dams, gaping window sills, foundation cracks and unsealed wooden decks.

The most treacherous water damage from bursting pipes takes place when water seeps into wool carpet fibers, paper, wood, bits of flaked-off skin, pet hair and dirt most commonly found in well-vacuumed carpeting.  It is then that water damage becomes a breeder for various types of toxic molds and decomposition. Depending on temperature and environment, molds will develop within a couple of days. Decomposition usually takes a bit longer, but it will develop. The sturdiest of floors can rot right through from the smallest leaks in refrigerators!

For water damage restoration, don’t take it all upon yourself to make water damage cleanup in your home a do-it-yourself! Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler.

We handle water damage restoration from the largest items in your home right down to the smallest because no project is too big or too small.  Our trained Certified Technician Professionals are well-equipped with state-of -the-art cleaning products and equipment making your worst nightmare of a water damage restoration seem like a breeze! We will also put our best efforts forward in restoring time-sensitive documents and refurbishing irreplaceable items that might have been damaged in your flood.  Money should not be a time-consuming object as we will work directly with your insurance company.

When Storms Hit & Cause Floods

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Livingston, Demopolis, or Butler, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 334-287-1144

Drying a Water Damage

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its former condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a few fans or two around the damaged area, this can actually lead to secondary damages like mold. Our SERVPRO professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any of these secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, we will:

  • Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
  • Measure how much moisture is in wet material and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
  • Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment. 

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up Mother Nature?" A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. 

The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler professionals have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. We also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

It's not only the equipment, but the technology too. SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened." Call us anytime at 334-287-1144!

Ways to Protect your business from Fire Hazards

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Business owners have many things, including plenty of safety factors to consider, regarding risks to their business, staff, and visitors. If you are a business owner, one of those risks you need to spend a little extra time planning for and working toward preventing is a Fire!

Common Causes Of Commercial Structure Fires:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, The leading causes of structure fires in office properties include..:

  1. Cooking Equipment- 29% of fires.
  2. Electrical Distribution, and Lighting Equipment- 12% of fires.
  3. Heating Equipment- 11% of fires
  4. Intentional- 10% of fires
  5. Smoking Materials- 9% of fires
  6. Exposure- 4% of fires 
  7. Electronic, office, or Entertainment Equipment- 3% of fires

Out of those, Namely three causes accounted for the most property damage are intentional fires, Exposure, and Electrical distribution and lighting equipment fires with 20%, 18%, and 15% respectively.

Protecting your Business:

There are many steps to follow to protect your business from the risks of fires, But focusing on fire risk assessment, Fire prevention, and Staff education, you can help reduce the chance of a fire breaking out. First you need to make sure to assess the fire hazard risks in your facility. In some areas, the local government may even provide a visit from a fire marshal who will help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan. You'll want to make sure that the right fire protection equipment is in place. This includes an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor. Most importantly, consider your employees and visitors. Creating a fire plan and reviewing it with your staff will ensure that you are making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep that fire safety protocol fresh in their minds, and take time to review evacuation plans and the location of first-aid kit.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business, if a fire has damaged your business SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Storm - Steps Before & After

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Insurance companies encourage you to take precautions and be ready to take action following a major storm. Your safety and swift recovery are the top priorities for both you and your insurance company. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and return to regular daily life after a catastrophic event.

What should I do before a disaster strikes?

  • Call or visit your insurance agent prior to a storm to discuss your policy.
  • Keep the name, address, insurance policy and claims reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.
  • Take inventory of your household items, especially valuables. Photograph and videotape items for verification and keep in a safe place such as a safety deposit box, and/or send copies of records to a trusted relative or friend who lives another state.
  • Read your insurance policy and know what YOUR responsibilities are. Know what is and isn't covered, such as flooding, and know your general/specific policy limits and deductibles.

A storm has hit and my house is damaged. Now what?

  • Find out the time limit on filing claims and notify your insurance agent in writing of the damage as soon as possible.
  • If there are holes in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible so that wind and rain do not cause further damage.
  • Save receipts of what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
  • Don't throw away any damaged items until an adjuster visits your home.
  • Photograph or videotape the damage for your records and the insurance company. Make a copy of your home inventory for your adjuster.

What kind of questions do I ask my insurance company?

  • Does my claim exceed my deductible? Make sure you know the amount of your deductible. In many coastal areas, deductibles may range from 1 to 5 percent of your home's value.
  • Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs or replacements? Before an estimate can be reimbursed, some companies may require an estimate to be approved first.
  • How much insurance is enough? Check if your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value for a covered loss. If you have increased the value of your property, be sure to increase the protection for your property.
  • Does my policy provide reimbursement for additional living expenses when a property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage? If you must evacuate the area, notify your insurance company and verify your insurance policy for coverage for temporary lodging. This provision helps pay for living expenses, restaurant food, overnight parking, and laundry services.

What should my insurance company be doing?

  • Once you have made a claim, the company will send you the necessary claim forms. Properly fill the forms out to avoid delays.
  • Your company will send out an adjuster to inspect your home. Make a list of structural damage to your home that you would like to show the adjuster.
  • Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your settlement, state laws require that your payment is sent promptly.
  • Damage to trees, shrubs and other plants during a hurricane or windstorm are not covered under a standard homeowners policy. However, insurance may pay to remove the debris from a fallen tree if it caused damage to a structure covered by insurance.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144 for all your storm damage needs!

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler Commercial Property Management: Signs of Sewer Line Issues

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

While a blocked sewer drain is relatively common in commercial properties, legitimate concerns over sewer line functionality may be few and far between. However, when major sewer line issues occur, it is essential to remedy the problems quickly to avoid potential backups and structural damage. Be aware of these four signs, which may indicate sewer line problems.

  1. Odors

While drain or toilet overflow are frequent problems in commercial properties, you should pay attention to odors surrounding these problems. For instance, if after clearing a clog you smell sewer gas, you may want to call a plumber for an inspection, as strong sewer smells can be an indicator of issues further in the line.

  1. Clogged Drains

A blocked sewer will not only cause unpleasant odors to occur in your building, but the blocked pipe can also cause frequent clogging of your drains and toilets. This problem may also cause sewer backups into your facility.

  1. Indentations in Landscaping

Also, while you may not have any clogging issues, it is still possible that your sewer lines have failed. Pipe breaks may cause indentations in your landscaping, like divots in the lawn. If the break is severe enough, it is possible that sewage is leaking into the grounds of your property. Eventually, this can also lead to a sewage backup in your building.

  1. Deformations in Landscaping

In addition to indentations in the lawn, you may notice perpetual puddling in certain areas. You may also see that areas of your parking lot have sunken or cracked along with sidewalks. Depending on how close the break is to your building, you may even notice cracks in the foundation. These issues often require the expertise of a disaster restoration specialist in the Livingston/Demopolis/Butler area to resolve, which depending on your insurance policy may be covered.

A blocked sewer line can wreak havoc on a business and may even lead to significant business interruption. You should be aware of the warning signs of such a problem so that you can resolve the issue as early as possible.

Facts About Tornadoes!

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

Every household should have an emergency plan in place before a disaster happens.  And part of that plan should include a stocked, ready to go, emergency preparedness kit.

An emergency preparedness kit is usually needed for you to survive for at least 72 hours. Make sure to keep an emergency kit at home and in your vehicle. Most items are easy to find and inexpensive:

Water – 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days

Food – Non-perishable food for at least 3 days

Manual can opener for food

Flashlight

Batteries

Hand crank radio or battery powered radio

First aid kit

Whistle

Matches

Dust Mask

Local Maps

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Prescription medications

Infant formula, diapers, wipes, bottles

 The most powerful Tornadoes occur in the United States.

A typical tornado only lasts for a few minutes.

Every tornado has its own color, sound and shape.

You need to step on the pedal of a car pass 70 miles per hour to outrun the fastest tornadoes.

The chances that a tornado is a F5, the highest classification for a tornado on the F-scale, is less than 0.1%

Tornadoes have been reported in every state in the US and also in every season.

A Tornado can occur at any time, but most often between 3pm and 9pm.

The direction in which a tornado twists depends a lot upon which hemisphere you're in. In general, most tornadoes in the northern hemisphere rotate cyclonically, or counter-clockwise. Only around five percent of tornadoes in the northern hemisphere rotate clockwise, or anti-cyclonically.

 Remember to call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144for all of your needs.

Levels of Commercial Damage in Livingston/Demopolis/Butler

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler handles not only residential damage and restoration but commercial as well.

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®

Do You Know What to do Before the Storm?

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

Preparing for a storm can be intimidating, let us give you some tips to make the process a lot easier for you.

Before The Storm:

  1. Build an emergency supply kit and make a family communication plan.
  2. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
  3. Postpone outdoor activities.
  4. Remember the 30/30 Lighting Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lighting, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
  5. Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
  6. Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lighting strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
  7. Remember, rubbed-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lighting. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
  8. Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
  9. Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

If you have experienced storm damage please give SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144 where we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Water Damage

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Downtime means money lost!

Here are SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler, we understand that when a commercial water emergency occurs in your business it is important that the issues is mitigated quickly and efficiently. During these emergencies, it is not just the building that needs to be back up and functioning but the materials and equipment you use on a daily basis that allows your business to be successful.  

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has the ability to save things like office furniture, desk, and even sensitive information that may be stored in the office with our Document Restoration. We are in the business of restoring these items that may have been damaged during your water emergency. We always attempt to salvage anything damaged because we understand that it can keep the cost down for you and the insurance company as well the value it has to your company. If an item can be saved or restored it is worth the time to do so.  

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler works tirelessly to treat each of your items with special care to protect. Our team is trained to keep your items from damage while we do work. Our content specialists team does wonders with your clean-up on all types of materials.  

Trust that SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened.” and your business is back up and running!

Steps in Fire Restoration

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Today 334-287-1144

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call  SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler, which is on call 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our team of Professionals with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Commercial Sewage Backup

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage back-ups and toilet overflows are some of the most common issues home and business owners can experience. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness.

Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. That’s why it is important to call the professionals who have experience cleaning up these types of issues. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler understands that there are three major types of contaminated water and the necessary steps to handle each scenario. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The Three Types of Water

Category 1: Clean Water

  • Water from a clean source like a broken water line
  • If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: Gray Water

  • May contain bacteria and viruses - may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
  • Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: Black Water

  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

If your home or business experiences a sewage issue, it should be treated as quickly as possible. Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144 and our professionals will respond 24 hours a day for emergency services.

How SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler Handles Fire

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Typically, we are called out at all times of the day and night. We do get some who come in the door and referrals from the people we've worked with.

Usually fires have a pretty short timeline. We're first call responders. We get the fire alerts and then one of us will go out to the fire and just let the customers know that we're there to be of assistance. We get out of the way of the professionals and will hang out and give the property owner any assistance we can. We can help them get the insurance process started by calling their agent for them while they take care of their family.

A lot of the time we will send pictures to the insurance agent and help the customer communicate with their insurance agent. In the off-hours the customer has no way to contact their insurance agent, but we have most of their cell numbers, so we can text their agent and let them know about the incident. The agent appreciates it and the customers do too.

Every now and then, an agent, an adjuster or a customer will call us on a fire, but that's less common than us going out and actually seeing the fire right after it happens.

The other work we do is with water damage, mold, and bio-hazard. It comes to us through referrals, our corporate office and through good people who know us or see us through our advertising.

If you have a fire in your home SERVPRO can help you with so much more than just the restoration process. Let SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler take care of you in your time of need.

If you have any questions, please call 334-287-1144.

Lint Build Up Can Cause Fire

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler offers commercial duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning.  We have a team of qualified individuals that focus on quality and customer relationships. We pride ourselves in our ever growing team and community we are building here.  

We currently serve a few commercial customers daily/weekly/monthly or quarterly and have maintained their continued business for 3 years or more. 

Like a residential home, routine maintenance cleaning of your duct system and dryer vents improves air quality and lowers the risk of fire caused by lint build up. Duct cleaning will also assist in the efficiency of your system and potentially prolong the life of the system itself. 

Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler today to schedule your commercial duct or dryer vent cleaning.

Common Causes of House Fires

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Between 2012 and 2016, the U.S. Fire departments responded to an average of 355,400home structure fires per year. These fires caused 11,670 civilian injuries, 2,560 civilian deaths, and $6.5 billion in direct damage. Listed below are a few of the most common ways house fires get started and tips to prevent them. 

  • Cooking equipment: Pots and pans can overheat and can easily cause a fire if left unattended.
  • Heating: Keep all portable heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire, such as furniture, curtains, and laundry. If you have a furnace, be sure to get it inspected once a year to make sure it is up to safety standards.
  • Smoking in Bedrooms: A cigarette that is not put out properly can cause a flame because the butt may stay lit for a few hours. If it comes in contact with flammable materials, such as furniture, it could burst into flames.
  • Electrical Equipment: An electrical appliance, such as a toaster, can start a fire if it has a faulty or frayed cord. Any power point that is overloaded can cause a fire from overuse of electricity. Double check the appliances and power points in your home.
  • Candles: Candles smell and look pretty, but they can be hazardous if left unattended. They can easily burst into flames and need to be kept away from any obviously flammable items such as books and tissue boxes. If you are leaving the house, make sure to blow out any candles beforehand.
  • Curious Children: Kids are known to do crazy things. They can cause a fire out of curiosity, just to see what would happen if they set fire to an object. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach of children. Installing a smoke detector in your children’s room will avoid curiosity turning into a disaster.
  • Faulty wiring: Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires. Signs you have faulty wiring include: lights dim when using another appliance, having to unplug one appliance to get another to work, and frequently blowing fuses. Have a licensed electrician come and inspect your home.
  • Barbecues: Keep BBQs regularly maintained and cleaned, including checking the gas for leaks before using it each time. The grill or BBGS should be kept away from the home, tablecloths, and any plant to avoid a fire.
  • Flammable Liquids: If you keep any flammable liquids in the house or garage such as petrol or kerosene, keep them away from heat sources. Always check the labels before storing and use extreme caution when pouring.
  • Lighting: Lampshades and light fittings can build up heat over time. Lamp bases can become hazardous they are easily knocked over.

The tips above are a guide to avoiding fire damage in your home. If you disaster strikes and you find yourself in need of fire damage restoration and clean up, call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144.

Like it never even happened.

Severe Storm Damage

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

If your area is expecting a tornado or other major storm, there are several steps you can take to stay safe. After the tornado passes, SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler can help you clean up any storm damage and restore your home.

Look for Storm Warning Signs

Tornadoes typically occur when there is a severe thunderstorm in the area. Rain, hailstorms and lightning strikes are some of the signs of a possible tornado. Some other warning signs of an oncoming tornado include:

* Orange or Green Skies

* Rumbling or Roaring Sounds in the Air

* Very Calm Conditions after a Storm

* Damaged Power Lines or Debris

* Rotation of the Clouds

Staying Informed During a Storm

Local television and radio stations are your best source for updates on how the storm is developing. However, if you hear a tornado siren, you should immediately head to the nearest shelter.

What is the difference between a Tornado Watch, Warning and Emergency?

* A Tornado Watch means that a storm could be coming in your area soon because of the current weather conditions.

* A Tornado Warning is a sign that one or more tornadoes are in the immediate area. Look for shelter as soon as you see this signal.

  • A Tornado Emergency is the final step in the warning process. A tornado has been spotted near a populated location. Move to the safest possible place if you cannot get to a real shelter in time.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Livingston, Demopolis, and Butler communities and we want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

What to Do When Your Carpet Gets Wet

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes, we as homeowners do not realize that carpeting usually has multiple layers underneath. There is a pad below the carpet fibers that tend to hold any liquid, dirt and odor that it comes into contact with. This is why carpet cleaning will sometimes take two cleans before you are satisfied with the end result. Once a carpet pad has been saturated, whatever the pad underneath is holding on to will soak into the fibers of the carpet causing odor and sometimes more visible stains. Likewise, when that pad is overly saturated, extracting the excess water is vital to the drying process. Many instances it is best to remove the pad completely to save the carpeting since it is fairly inexpensive to replace. Remember, never use a standard vacuum to attempt to extract excess water yourself and call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144 to assist in all water damage needs.

7 Tips to Prevent Mold in your Commercial Business

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Why should you worry about mold in your building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business.

#1: Clean Out the Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

#2: Look for And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

#3: Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well. Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

#4: Turn on the AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

#5: Clean out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

#6: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

#7: Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage. Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps, it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, at SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler, we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.” Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put, it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently. If you find mold in your place of business, call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144.

After the fire....

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Most full-service restoration specialists offer boarding-up services. Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.

  1. You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
  2. There is still viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.
  3. You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition. Loss can be far more expensive than restoration or covered replacement.
  4. You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.

Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. Here at SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler we will always put our customers first.

Know what to do after a fire

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Many homeowners think that they can clean-up smoke damage to their home after it has been burned in a fire. Unfortunately, that is never a good idea. Cleaning up smoke and soot damage requires professionals to do the job.

First off, a house that has been burned in a fire is typically not safe to enter or spend time in. The integrity of walls and floors may have been damaged, along with other hazards. It’s important not to enter the home until professionals tell you it is safe to do so.

While you should not undertake trying to clean up smoke and soot damage from a house fire yourself, you should get the professionals into your as soon as possible. Ash and smoke, if left untreated, will cause corrosion, discoloration and a lingering powerful and offensive odor. Ash, specifically, will start causing damage and discoloration almost immediately and the damage may be permanent and irreversible. Anything that was made of plastic will begin discoloring within minutes. Metals will easily tarnish and corrode, and fiberglass will begin to yellow.

If you get fire damage restoration professionals in soon enough after a house fire, they can mitigate or eliminate the smoke and ash damage from the fire and prevent further damage to your property. Unfortunately, if you don’t get the pros in early, the damage becomes worse and worse and the costs to repair will begin to skyrocket within just a few weeks!

Many companies claim to be fire damage restoration specialists, but they may not actually have the proper training and certification to do the job. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the primary oversight agency for the industry. Companies recognized, registered and certified by the IICRC will have taken extensive coursework to earn their certification.

A trained and certified fire damage restoration professional will first identify all affected materials and the source of odors, if possible. They will be extremely thorough. They will identify what can be salvaged and cleaned and what cannot be and must be completely replaced. They will then begin the clean-up process by removing built-up ash residue. Once the ash is cleaned, they can better identify the sources of odors, which they will treat with special detergents made to neutralize the odors. Once fire damaged materials are treated, they will be sealed to prevent future odors from emitting into your home.

If you or anyone you know is in need of smoke or fire damage restoration services.

Any Water Damage is Bad

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Any water damage in your home is bad ,but trying to clean it up yourself can be a disaster. Especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria-or cause mold, rot and other unseen damage that can affect the value of your home. So before you risk your health or the valve of your home by cleaning it up yourself.

Here at SERVPRO are highly trained to safely clean and RESTORE your building, utilizing the following procedures

#1: The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

#2: We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

#3: The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

#4: We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

#5: We clean all of the salvageable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

#6: Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. So, before you risk further damaging the value of your home or facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call us (251) 809- 1260.

Call The Professionals

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Without question, the most important step a homeowner needs to take when faced with flood or other water damage is to waste no time in drying the area out. The old standby of setting up all your house fans to dry out a flooded area really isn’t very effective in the long run. It may do a satisfactory job on the surface, but deeper water damage to walls, wood, carpet and furniture, along with insufficient drying, can lead to more serious consequences such as mold and mildew growth, the flourishing of harmful bacteria, bugs in rotting wood and in extreme conditions, actual damage to the structural integrity of the home itself. To combat all these harmful possibilities and to prevent further costly damage; the best thing you can do is to call in a licensed water damage restoration specialist to tackle the job, like SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler. We are your flood damage and water damage specialists.

If you find yourself with a flooded basement, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler ASAP! (251) 809-1260

IICRC - Water Damage

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. The detection of water in these areas can often only be discovered with sophisticated moisture detection meters. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. This damage, at a minimum, will cause odors. Greater damage will surface when materials delaminate, shrink, split and further deteriorate to where costly repairs are required.

More than just removing excess water, IICRC-certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility (including substructure materials) completely back to preloss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mold and other issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mold will occur.

All IICRC-certified professionals have the training and experience to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected), contain damage, remove contamination, and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.

[Information via IICRC.org]

Rain water vs. Flood water Damages

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Rain damage is caused by falling water. A leaky roof or window can cause rain to intrude into your home. Gutters and downspouts can also be a large contributor to rain damage. It is important to clean your gutters and downspouts to keep the rain away from your walls and windows.

Flood damage is caused by rising water. Improper grading, failing drainage, or rising creek water are all examples of how flood damage can occur in your home. Flood damage can also cause cracks to your foundation allowing excess water to intrude into your home.

It is important to professionally dry the structure so as to prevent further damage. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler uses updated technology and professionalism to treat your home as if it is ours. We want to help you restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

Learn more about our water restoration process. If you suffer water damage to your home or business, call us at (251) 809-1260 We offer 24/7 emergency service.

What To Do With Food After a Disaster

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

If you are in a disaster or emergency, it’s important that you take steps to prevent illness from unsafe food and water.

Food: Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out.

Water: Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

For more information on this topic check out this link. It will help you better understand the do's and don'ts. 

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.html

Tips for Pet Parents #2

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have that beautiful double coated fur baby? Is the summer heat causing them to shed more and more? If so, now you have dog hair on the sofa, your clothes, but most importantly you have it starting to pile up on your carpet and rugs. It doesn't seem to matter how much you vacuum the carpets or brush his/her fur it seems to just keep multiplying. You may need a quick solution to the problem. You maybe hosting a gather for the summer holidays or even just a play date. Well a simple solution is to take a rubber squeegee and run over your carpets or rugs. Maybe even some of the upholstery if its too thick for a lint roller. 

Preparing for Vacation

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is here and we are all planning vacations and a lot of us ask ourselves if our homes will be okay while we are gone. Well we have a compiled a list of things that can be done to prepare your home for that vacation period. 

Whether you're going out of town for two days or a few weeks, there are things you can do to prepare your home for your absence and for your smooth return.

"It's hard to remember from trip to trip everything you need to do to get your house in order," says Laura Leist, certified professional organizer and owner of Eliminate Chaos, in Seattle. "Have a checklist of what needs to be done, and start planning a week or two in advance."

The below departure checklist will make it easier to get your home shipshape so you can enjoy a vacation free from worries. The return checklist will ease your transition back to the real world.

Prepare for Your Departure

  • Ready your pets: Give the pet sitter or boarding facility detailed care instructions. Make sure the one you choose has plenty of your pet's favorite foods, treats, toys, medicines and other supplies on hand.
  • Clean out the fridge: Throw away food that will expire while you're gone. Quickly wipe away any spills that are still fresh with Pledge® Multisurface Wipes. They conveniently clean multiple surfaces-perfect for a quick and easy clean of your fridge.
  • Tackle the laundry: Wash and put away laundry before you leave.
  • Prep your plants: Ask a friend or neighbor to water your plants, and be sure to leave multiple lists of all plants and their locations. Otherwise, invest in self-watering plant stakes.
  • Leave a light on: During a short trip, leave a few lamps on throughout the house to make it look occupied. For a longer vacation, invest in inexpensive automatic timers that can turn our lights on and off at staggered intervals, making your house look occupied. Alert your home-security service or a trusted neighbor so one or the other can keep an eye out as well.
  • Spray for bugs: Spray an insecticide in key areas so bugs will steer clear while you're gone.
  • Unplug and reset the thermostat: Temporarily adjust the thermostat so the air-conditioner or heater won't waste energy by running in an empty house. Unplug unnecessary appliances in preparation for your absence.
  • Hold mail and newspapers: A call to your post office and news carrier will put your mail and newspapers on hold so they won't pile up in front of your house while you're gone.

For more information check out this article.

https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/13-steps-to-prep-your-home-for-vacation

Tips for Pet Parents #1

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

We see it on a a daily basis. Clients call in to have their carpets cleaned due to their pets having an accident. More often then not the spot has set for a few days or even weeks. With that being said we a tip to hopefully keep them from "marking their territory". 

  Try this. First, you'll want to blot the soiled area and treat it with an enzyme-based cleaner to get to the root of the smell. Then, lightly mist with an all-natural spritz to deter repeat performances. We love this homemade eucalyptus mix. Simply combine one cup of warm water with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and shake before using. We will be on the look out for more ways to help your pets, so stay tuned.   

How to Prevent Dryer Fires

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

Very few people realize the danger of clothes dryer fires. However, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer venting.

How Clothes Dryer Fires Occurs

Lint accumulation and reduced airflow feed on each other to provide conditions ripe for a fire. Lint is a highly combustible material, which, interestingly enough, is one of the ingredients in a recipe for home-made fire starters. A number of dryer vent problems contribute to this.

A growing problem

Traditionally, most clothes dryers were in the basement. However, nowadays many newer homes tend to have dryers located away from an outside wall in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and hall closets. These new locations mean dryers tend to be vented longer distances and vents are generally installed with sharp turns and bends to accommodate the structure of the home. As a result, dryer vents are harder to reach, and also create more places for lint to gather. The ideal solution is to have short, straight, dryer duct venting. However, a dryer vent booster, while not the ideal approach, can improve your dryer venting in cases where your venting is longer and/or has more bends than it should. In addition to creating a fire hazard, if the venting is too long and/or has two many bends, it will cause your dryer to take much longer than necessary to dry loads.

Inside the Dryer

Lint is the biggest culprit here. As you know from cleaning out your lint filter, dryers produce very large quantities of lint. Most people assume their lint traps catch all the lint, and that all they need to do is clean them out after each load. However, a significant amount of this lint is not caught by the lint trap and builds up inside the dryer-even on the heating element! If you are skeptical, try this experiment: pull out the lint trap and look underneath it- you may find large mounds of lint staring at you. Lint can build up on the heating element and in other places inside the dryer, causing it to overheat and possibly catch fire. As a rule, a fire starts from a spark in the machine. However, improper clothes dryer venting practices outside the dryer can play a key role in this process.

Outside the Dryer

There are many improper dryer vent practices which restrict airflow and lead to lint buildup, the two main preventable causes of clothes dryer fires.  Some of the most common and important dryer vent mistakes are:

  1. Dryer vents are too long and/or have too many bends, but don’t use a dryer duct booster, resulting in lint buildup. When it comes to dryer vents, shorter and straighter is better.
  2. Use of flammable, flimsy plastic or foil duct extenders. Only metal vents should be used, which is what most manufacturers specify. Metal vents also resist crushing better than plastic and foil, which allows the air and lint to be carried out of the system. Reduced airflow from build-up or crushing can cause overheating and wear out the clothes and appliance faster. In fact, many state and local municipalities have placed requirements on new and remodeling projects to include all metal dryer venting.
  3. Inadequate clearance space between dryer and wall. Many people create problems by putting their dryer right against the wall, crushing the venting material in the process. The cumulative effect of reduced airflow and the resulting lint build-up prevent the dryer from drying at the normal rate. This causes the high temperature limit safety switch to cycle on and off to control the heater. Most high temperature limit safety switches were not designed to continuously cycle on and off, so they fail over a period of time.
  4. Failure to clean the dryer duct.

Your Dryer May be Failing If:

The clothes are taking an inordinately long period of time to dry, come out hotter than usual or if the vent hood flapper doesn’t open. Maintenance is needed in these cases.

Only You Can Prevent Clothes Dryer Fires

Proper Installation & Choice of Building Materials

  1. Make sure the dryer duct is made of solid metallic material. Both vinyl and foil are combustible and spiral-wound surfaces tend to catch lint more readily.
  2. The dryer duct should vent to the exterior and in no case should it vent to the attic or crawlspace. Avoid the use of inside heat recovery diverter valves or termination boxes, which do not comply with current standards.
  3. Avoid kinking or crushing the dryer duct to make up for installation in tight quarters -this further restricts airflow. If you really want to save the extra space, the Dryerbox is a new invention that allows the dryer to be safely installed against the wall.
  4. Minimize the length of the exhaust duct (maximum recommended lengths depend on a number of factors, such as number of bends, and vary by model-check with your manufacturer for their specifications). If this is not possible, you can install a dryer duct booster.
  5. If at all possible, use 4-inch diameter vent pipe and exterior exhaust hoods that have openings of sixteen square inches or more, which offer the least resistance to air flow.
  6. Don’t use screws to put your vent pipe together – the screw shafts inside the piping collect lint and cause additional friction.

Keep the Dryer Duct in Good Condition

Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer duct run on a regular basis, or hire a professional company to clean the dryer duct. This will reduce the fire hazard, increase the dryer’s efficiency and increase its lifespan. In addition, you are less likely to experience water damage.

Keep Your Dryer as Lint-Free as Possible

By keeping your dryer clean, not only will you significantly reduce the fire hazard, you will also save money as your dryer will run more efficiently and last longer. To keep your dryer clean:

  1. Use a lint brush or vacuum attachment to remove accumulated lint from under the lint trap and other accessible places on a periodic basis.
  2. Every 1-3 years, depending upon usage, have the dryer taken apart and thoroughly cleaned out by a qualified service technician.
  3. Clean the lint trap after each load.

Alternative Solutions

  1. Use a condensing dryer. Unlike conventional clothes dryers, condensing dryers do require external clothes dryer venting. This significantly reduces the risk of a dryer fire.
  2. Use a spin dryer, which uses an extremely fast spin speed to extract water from the clothes. They extract significantly more water from the clothes than a washing machine spin cycle does. Spin dryers can be used alone or in conjunction with a conventional clothes dryer.

Before You Go….

  1. Never let your clothes dryer run while you are out of the house or even worse, when you are asleep.
  2. Thoroughly read manufacturers’ instructions regarding the safe use of their dryers.
  3. If all else fails, you can always use an old-fashioned clothesline. There have never been any reported clothesline fires!

For more information check out this link. 

https://laundry-alternative.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prevent-clothes-dryer-fires

Top 10 Causes for Fires

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

1. Cooking equipment

Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire very easily if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended. Always stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food, when cooking on hotplates.

2. Heating

Keep portable heaters at least one meter away from anything that could easily catch fire such as furniture, curtains, laundry, clothes and even yourself. If you have a furnace, get it inspected once a year to make sure it is working to safety standards.

3. Smoking in bedrooms

Bedrooms are best to be kept off limits for smoking. A cigarette that is not put out properly can cause a flame, as the butt may stay lit for a few hours. It could burst into flames if it came into contact with flammable materials, such as furniture. Did you know that fires started in the bedroom or lounge make up 73% of all house fire fatalities?1

4. Electrical equipment

An electrical appliance, such as a toaster can start a fire if it is faulty or has a frayed cord. A power point that is overloaded with double adapter plugs can cause a fire from an overuse of electricity. A power point extension cord can also be a fire hazard if not used appropriately. Double check the appliances and power points in your home.

5. Candles

Candles look and smell pretty, but if left unattended they can cause a room to easily burst into flames. Keep candles away from any obviously flammable items such as books and tissue boxes. Always blow a candle out before leaving a room. Did you know that in Perth last year 34 house fires started as a result of candles?2

6. Curious children

Kids can cause a fire out of curiosity, to see what would happen if they set fire to an object. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach of children, to avoid any curiosity turned disaster. Install a smoke alarm in your child’s room and practice a home escape plan with your children and family in case there was a fire. Teach kids understand the “stop, drop, cover and roll” drill as well as knowing their address if they needed to call 000.

7. Faulty wiring

Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires from electrical hazards. Some signs to see if you’ve bad wiring are:

  1. Lights dim if you use another appliance;
  2. For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another;
  3. Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently.

Have a licensed electrician come and inspect you house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

8. Barbecues

Barbecues are great for an outdoor meal, but should always be used away from the home, tablecloths or any plants and tree branches. Keep BBQs regularly maintained and cleaned with soapy water and clean any removable parts. Check the gas bottle for any leaks before you use it each time.

9. Flammable liquids

If you have any flammable liquids in the home or garage such as petrol, kerosene or mentholated spirits, keep them away from heat sources and check the label before storing. Be careful when pouring these liquids.

10. Lighting

Lamp shades and light fittings can build up heat if they are very close to light globes. Check around the house to make sure. Lamp bases can become a hazard if they are able to be knocked over easily, and so should be removed if they are. Check that down lights are insulated from wood paneling or ceiling timbers.

Help Prevent Fires During Winter Months

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

It’s going to get cold again here soon…

Besides using the fireplace to stay warm some people use alternative sources such as portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Heating equipment is the cause for many residential fires annually, causing deaths, injury and property damage. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of a heating-related fire:

-Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment

-Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers instructions

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed

-Plug space heaters directly into outlets, never into an extension cord or power strip.

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters

-Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your home and business.

-Test alarms monthly

-Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional

-Make sure fireplaces have a screen to help prevent sparks

-Make sure ashes are cool before putting them in a metal container

For more information on safety tips call your local fire department.

What to do until SERVPRO arrives!

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives:

  • Shut off the source of the water.

  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.

  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting

  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items

  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

  • Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

  • Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors

  • Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

Flood Facts

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler. Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order. 

What's the difference?

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Lately there has been flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

  • Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

  • Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

  • Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

  • Flood Advisory: Be Aware! A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

Severe Weather Tips

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Since SERVPRO partners with the American Red Cross we love sharing their tips on different occasions. 

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

TORNADOES

Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your community’s warning system.

2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

 

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS

Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.

3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.

4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.

5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

 

FLOODING

Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

2. Stay away from floodwaters.

3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

4. Keep children out of the water.

5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

Protect Your Property During an Ice Storm

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Whether there is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, or sleet and snow; all of these can cause property damage. You can't control Mother Nature but you can be prepared so here are some tips to help you:

-Check for tree limbs and branches that might be at risk of falling.

-Roofs, pipes and gutters should all be inspected and make sure they are in proper working order. Clear gutters from debris, a damming effect could cause roof damage or interior water problems. Downspouts should be facing away from the home or building.

-Clean your chimneys and exhaust systems from debris.

-Test your gas lines for leaks.

-Inspect your property for proper drainage.

-Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If any pipes are under cabinets leave the cabinets open. Make sure exterior pipes are properly insulated.

-If there are any outdoor faucets, you might want to shut the water off.

-Make sure all exterior doors and windows have sufficient weather stripping.

Do you have an ERP for your business? Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler and speak with a Sales and Marketing Representative today!

Industrial Hygienist

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

In some cases, our mold jobs need to be referred to an industrial hygienist. If you are like me then you're asking "what exactly is that and what do they do?" 

According to www.aiha.org ,  "Industrial Hygiene is a science and art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, prevention, and control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace which may cause sickness, impaired health and well being, or significant discomfort among workers or among citizens of the community."

They describe Industrial hygienists as "scientists and engineers committed to protecting the health and safety of people in the workplace and the community."

The steps listed below illustrate our process for a “typical” mold remediation infestation:

  1. Emergency Contact - (334) 287-1144
  2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  3. Mold Containment
  4. Air Filtration
  5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  7. Restoration

Managing Mold

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

When there is water in your home, mold can quickly become an issue. It can cause health issues and damage to your property. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment to handle your mold problem.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. One of our employees will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Assessment 

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.

Containment

Different containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold, like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler technicians use powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress. 

Removing 

The process of mold remediation depends on the amount of mold growth and the type of surface it's on. Anti-fungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new ones from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary.

Cleaning  

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. 

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, some building materials may have to be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs or major repairs such as reconstruction.

Does Your Home Have a Mold Problem?

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler 334-287-1144

Fireplace Safety

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

  • Fireplaces should not be used as furnaces. Use a fireplace for a short-duration fire — no longer than five hours.
  • Keep the glass open to allow air to be drawn up to cool the chimney, but keep the screen closed to prevent sparks from jumping onto the carpeting.
  • Never leave a fire unattended when children are in the house. Adults, even if near, should not allow children to play near or with fire tools and equipment.
  • Open a window when using the fireplace to prevent the room from becoming smoky. The air coming in from the window will go up the chimney.
  • Before making a fire, open the glass doors, pull aside the screen curtains, and place the kindling, newspaper and logs inside. Next, open the damper and a window. The window needs to be open only a few inches. You can check to make sure the smoke will go up the chimney properly by lighting a match, quickly blowing it out and watching the smoke to see whether it's going up and out.
  • Keep a nonflammable rug (available at fireplace-supply stores) in front of the fireplace so that sparks won't melt or otherwise damage your carpeting.
  • Use fireplace tools to handle burning logs. Never use your hands.
  • Use a chimney cap to prevent water damage, to keep animals from nesting and to keep debris from blocking the chimney and causing carbon monoxide to flow into the house. Use a spark arrester to help prevent sparks from flying out, which could start a fire on the roof or lawn.
  • Glass doors may develop tough stains from flames and heat. To clean them, make sure the glass doors are cool, then scrape off any thick gunk deposits with a razor blade. Add a squirt of liquid dishwashing detergent to a bucket of warm water, or add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. Spray or sponge the cleaner on, and then wipe it away with newspaper (which is lint-free). Another option is to buy glass cleaner at a fireplace store.
  • Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to three days, so always wait at least that long before removing the ashes. At that point, close the damper to prevent cold air in the flue from stirring up excess dust while you're removing the ashes. Be sure to wear a dust mask and open a window in the same room as the fireplace to prevent negative air pressure. Use a shovel to scoop the ashes into a metal container. Store the container far from combustible materials and surfaces and wood floors.
  • Never use a vacuum to clean up ashes, because live coals may remain in those ashes.
  • Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney when necessary. Have him show you how to check it yourself, too. The chimney should be checked at least once a year or after about 80 fires.
  • Shine brass fireplace utensils with Worcestershire sauce and a toothbrush.
  • Clean the firebox (the area where the logs burn) at least once a week during the months you use it, when ash builds up. Leave about an inch of ash because it acts as insulation, allowing the coals to heat faster and retain the heat easier. Keep the firebox completely clean during the months when the fireplace is not in use.
  • To clean an exterior slate hearth, wash, dry and coat it with lemon oil every six weeks to make it shine. For cleaning exterior brick hearths, buy a brick cleaner at a fireplace shop.

 via HGTV.com 

Every Second Counts

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

  • Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
  • Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
  • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
  • Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
  • Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
  • Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

via http://www.nfpa.org/

Have you contacted your local fire department? See how you can get involved with them and your community to prevent house fires. Sometimes they will have events or give out smoke detectors for your home. Don't think this could never happen to you because it easily could. We don't have control over everything in our homes! Be safe and have a plan!

Emergency Ready Profile

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

As a homeowner you always want to make sure you have emergency contacts close by in case anything unexpected happens. What if you are a homeowner but also a business owner? I know personally I couldn't imagine the amount of stress! SERVPRO realizes that you might not think about the unexpected things that might happen to your business; flooding, tornado damage, etc. 

That's why we have our Emergency Ready Program available to you! Our ERP, Emergency Ready Profile is the best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster, plan for it now! As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
 The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage A no cost assessment of your facility. – This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. – This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. Establishes your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. – You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money. Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. – Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”  Give us a call today and set up your ERP!

Help Prevent Heat Related Fires

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

It’s cold weather season once again…

Besides using the fireplace to stay warm some people use alternative sources such as portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Heating equipment is the cause for many residential fires annually, causing deaths, injury and property damage. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of a heating-related fire:

-Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment

-Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers instructions

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed

-Plug space heaters directly into outlets, never into an extension cord or power strip.

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters

-Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your home and business.

-Test alarms monthly

-Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional

-Make sure fireplaces have a screen to help prevent sparks

-Make sure ashes are cool before putting them in a metal container

For more information on safety tips call your local fire department

For Immediate Service in Livingston/Demopolis/Butler, Call SERVPRO

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 334-287-1144

Residential Services

Whether your Livingston/Demopolis/Butler home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Call us to learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Call us to learn more about our commercial services:

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring Your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Black Water

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Black Water

In the restoration industry, there are three categories of water. As industry professionals, it is our job to determine which category of water each damage has. The most severe category is Category 3 which is also commonly called CAT 3, Black Water or Dirty Water. Category 3 water (Black Water) is highly contaminated water that can cause health effects.

The water is considered category 3 (Black Water) if it meets any of the following criteria. Sources include sewage backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, or stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth. If Category 1 or Category 2 has been left untreated for more than three days, it is likely that it will develop into Category 3 (Black Water). If your damage is deemed as Category 3, it is likely that many pieces of your property will need to be replaced. Anything porous, such as furniture, carpeting and drywall is grossly contaminated. Category 3 water, although referred to as Black Water or Dirty Water, is not always visually black or dirty. In fact, most times it is completely translucent.

If you are ever faced with damage to your home act fast, find your source, and call the professionals at SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler. We will assess the damage and ensure that it is properly mitigated to ensure your safety.

What's the difference?

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Each year, we experience flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

  • Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

  • Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

  • Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

  • Flood Advisory: Be Aware: A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

How to Prepare for Spring Weather Hazards

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Spring weather often arrives early in Alabama and is a welcome change from the cold winter months. However, there are spring weather hazards that can quickly arise. You are not powerless to inclement weather that produces tornadoes, flooding, and lightning. Make sure that your family has a plan in place for these types of inclement weather to ensure everyone’s safety.

Knowing your risk is a key part of ensuring you are prepared for weather hazards that arise. Always ensure that you are checking your local weather forecast before leaving home. You can also follow weather patterns and possible threats by downloading apps such as Accuweather or Yahoo Weather.

Planning for weather hazards, such as tornadoes, floods, or lightning strikes to your home is an essential part of preparedness. Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food items, water, and basic first aid supplies to ensure that your family is taken care of in case of emergency. Also ensure that your family has an emergency plan in case of evacuation, loss of power, or fire. You can visit ready.gov for a free template to create your plan.

If you find yourself with damage to your home from spring weather hazards, SERVPRO is here to help. From water damage to fire damage, you can count on our highly skilled project managers and staff to restore your property and ensure that it is back to normal as quickly as possible.

Tornado Season Readiness

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Cold weather is upon us at the moment, but tornado season here in Alabama is quickly approaching. Here are a couple of things from ready.gov to help be prepared in the event of severe weather.

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

If your home is affected by severe weather, call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler 24/7 at 334-287-1144.

Understanding Mold and Managing Growth

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is an essential part of nature and returns carbon as well as other elements back into our ecosystem. However, mold is not a word that homeowners want to use when describing their homes. Mold cannot be completely eradicated, but it can be managed to a sanitary extent.

Moisture control and rapid response are a key component in controlling mold growth in your home or outside structure. Controlling the indoor and outdoor moisture of your home are the first steps in preventing mold growth.

Indoor Moisture Control:

                -Fix any indoor plumbing that is dripping or “sweating”.

                -Limit indoor humidity levels

                -Improve air movement in poorly ventilated areas of the home

Outdoor Moisture Control:

                -Inspect and maintain roofs, gutters, and flashing

                -Ensure that the home has proper grading to direct water runoff away

                -Install air conditioners in outside buildings for air flow

                -Keep outside doors to the home closed on humid days

If you find that you have mold in your home or outdoor structure it is important to locate and correct the problem. Once the problem that is causing the mold growth is corrected, the area needs to be cleaned and porous materials need to be removed.

Call our office today for an estimate on mold remediation.

Follow These Safety Tips if You Suspect Mold

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 334-287-1144

Fire Damage: How do we do it?

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Do you ever wonder how SERVPRO keeps up with every customer’s job progress? SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has a pretty tried and true method to keep everyone up to date on the progress of every job. When a customer first calls in a loss, we at SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler enter all of the pertinent information into a form called the FNOL or “First Notice of Loss.” This form is sent to everyone involved including our first responders, office staff so they can communicate with your insurance company, managers and ownership so they know the status of every job in progress. Every note, assessment, detail associated with that job from that point forward is attached to that initial FNOL so that it is at our fingertips if you ever have any questions or concerns.

Content Restoration After Fire Damage

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

CONTENTS RESTORATION

From furniture to antiques to artwork and appliances, we'll treat your treasures with the care they deserve. While some items can be cleaned on-site, in many cases we'll need to inventory, pack out and transport the contents of your property to our state-of-the-art facility to ensure the best care possible.

Key Issues

  • Contents may need to be cleaned off-site
  • Contents inventory
  • Determine replacement and restoration
  • Pack
  • Ozone treatment
  • Cleaning
  • Odor removal
  • Secure
  • Return

Contents Inventory

  • We arrive on-site and inventory all of your personal belongings.
  • We carefully pack all salvageable items to transport to our secure warehouse and cleaning facility.
  • Non-salvageable contents are inventoried and discarded.

Contents Valuation

We have trained professionals to help you establish replacement values versus restoration costs. We are also available for pricing of non-salvageable inventory items.

Restoration

  • Thorough cleaning
  • Proper handling of all electronics
  • Photographs and artwork
  • Fabrics
  • Clothes
  • Memorabilia
  • Antiques
  • Soft goods
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Appliances
  • Surfaces
  • Odor Removal

Tips for Cleaning Your Restaurant

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler offers many cleaning services to help your restaurant stay in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association and the federal Food and Drug Administration. These services not only help keep your restaurant in compliance, but they are key factors in the health and safety of your employees and patrons.

Carpet Cleaning

Great service and food are not the only things that keep customers returning to your establishment. Maintaining a restaurant's cleanliness and appearance play a large role in a restaurant's success. Although most carpeting is found in the dining area, there are aerosol grease particles that travel through the air and find their final home on the carpeting. The residue is a host for bacteria and a magnet for dirt. With the abundance of foot traffic, as well as food and drinks that are spilled regularly, keeping the carpets clean can be a daunting task. Scheduling regular cleanings will help to keep your restaurant's carpets clean and odor free.

Exhaust Fan Cleaning

Ensuring that your exhaust fans are cleaned regularly and properly is one of the most important tasks in the restaurant business. Having your exhaust fans cleaned is required by the National Fire Protection Association and the federal Food and Drug Administration. Commercial exhaust fans are a popular place for grease build up, and keeping a regular cleaning schedule decreases your risk of having a grease fire.  Cleaning your exhaust fans regularly also increases the lifespan and ensures that your equipment is working at top capacity.

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler can not only clean the carpets and exhaust fans in your restaurant, we can work around your schedule to ensure that neither you nor your customers are inconvenienced. Call our office today for more information and scheduling options.

Prepare Your Business

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for winter weather!

-Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries. 

-Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 

-Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

-Ask your SERVPRO Professional about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. 

What is an Emergency Ready Profile?

It is a "snapshot" of each building owned/managed by a business, that provides critical information for emergency preparation. 

What to do AFTER Water Damage Occurs

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical. 

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source. Rainwater is also considered clean. Gray water is slightly contaminated water; clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, and chemicals. Black water is usually caused by sewage leaks, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should ALWAYS be handled by a trained professional.

Make sure you:

-Shut off the water source if possible or contact someone to do it.

-Turn off circuit breakers if safe from potential electrical shock. DO NOT enter rooms with standing water.

-Remove excess water by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing tabletop items. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions.

-Move any paintings, art, computers, documents, and other items of value to a safe place.

-Do not leave any books, newspapers, or magazines on wet carpet.

-Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to extract water since there is potential for electrical shock. 

-Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and do not enter the room if the ceiling is sagging.

How to Prevent Mold

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters.

2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. 

3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. 

4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. 

5. Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. 

6. Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.

7. Clean and repair roof gutters.  Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

8. Improve air flow in your home. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

9. Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house.

[All information is from mnn.com]

Call SERVPRO if you have any signs of mold, we have trained professionals to handle the infestation.

SERVPRO is Always Here to Help with Any Water Emergency

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer Your Call Ready to Help!
Call Today - 334-287-1144

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler 

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler will identify the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during the initial inspection. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each fire and smoke damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your home or business after fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler 334-287-1144 

For Immediate Service, Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in your area. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 - 334-287-1144

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Mold Remediation
  • Commercial Cleaning Services

Duct Cleaning

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Duct Cleaning Process:

  • The process begins by using patented equipment. This equipment includes a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
  • Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
  • Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
  • As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
  • Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

Fire Safety

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton responds to many residential and commercial fire damages, which means we tend to stay in close contact with local fire departments.  

Here is some data:

In Alabama, there are 796 fire departments registered with the National Fire Department Registry.

Most fires are structure/residential and vehicles. 

Fires only make up about 6% of calls in Alabama, others include: service calls (7.8%), false alarms (8.4%), good intent (9.1%), and EMS (65.9%). For the National average, fires make up around 4.7%. Surprising!

In 2016, 82 home fire fatalities were reported by the news media.

Fire prevention is important, we want to make sure your home or business stays safe. Make sure you replace batteries in your smoke detectors and keep a fire extinguisher close. If you don’t know what to do and need some helpful tips call your local fire department. 

What to Do Until SERVPRO Arrives

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

If you have water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives:

  • Shut off the source of the water.
  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
  • Move to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
  • Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
  • Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

What's the difference?

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

Lately, there has been flooding all over the United States. If you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

  • Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
  • Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
  • Flood Watch: Be Prepared! A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
  • Flood Advisory: Be Aware! A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

Categories

Archived Posts